O.K. We’ve heard the arguments for or against the use of steroids in professional sports. But what do the professional umpires and referees have to say on the subject? What is their take on steroids in the sports they officiate?
One of baseball’s major league umpires, Tom McClelland, defended athletes who used the drug in baseball at a fundraiser in February 2009. He has been a Major League Umpire for over 25 years and is one of the more respected umpires of the game. He is known for his fairness and consistency and is top-rated in his field. He has said that he knew baseball players were using the drug for at least 15 years. He has been quoted as saying, “They used it to make themselves better, I can’t fault a player for doing that. It was not against the rules of baseball, so I can’t fault a player for trying to make himself better.”
He also has said that cheating has always been part of the sport. McClelland went as far to say that some in the sport live by the saying that `you're not trying to win if you're not cheating.'
"Norm Cash, who won the batting title (in 1961) said he used to put tacks in his bat," McClelland said. "There have been guys who grooved their bat...guys who have stuck thumb tacks in their glove to scuff the ball. There have been guys who have tried to bend the rules for years and years and years."
In any event, this is one sports official who would like to see the whole scandal over with. He hopes that fans will be able to forgive and forget. Considering the packed stadiums and the price people are willing to pay to see professional games, I think fans have done just that.
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I actually see that as a pretty good point. You see all these critics saying how horrible these guys are and everything like that, but some of these guys never even played a sport in their life. Its interesting to see the opinion of a guy whos been around the sport for so long. Yes its illegal now and shouldnt be used but if u reely do think about, these guys are taking steroids to ultimately put on a better show for us, the fans.
ReplyDeletei too think this a good point and especially when it comes from a highly respected umpire that has been around for a while. they are trying to make themselves better but it is still against the rules and not everyone is doing it so it should still be illegal in my opinion.
ReplyDeletei would definitely agree with mcclelland. i also agree with him being one of the most respected umpires in baseball. every time i watch a baseball game on tv i always look for him. hes prolly one of my favorite umps. i do like how hes coming out and making his own statement on the whole steroid issue.
ReplyDeleteI really do not care about guys using steroids. They might make you stronger and faster but you still got to be able to perfrom. Mad body builders are so jacked off roids but they cant even wipe their own butt. I bet they cant even throw a baseball. Skills are still a big part of the game and steroids dont help with that
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that that the scandal needs to be over. When the players used the steroids when it was legal how can people complain? they did was they could to be the best that they could be.Now if they still use it then they do need to be removed or punished but making it a bigger deal then what it really is just causes more problems. I agree with the umpire.
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