The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Google Images

Throughout the last several months, we have heard more about baseball in the off- season than we care to. In light of the ongoing steroid scandal that has permeated America's beloved pastime, it has become normal to watch players in business attire participate in proceedings to defend their reputations before Congress. The most recent chapter of on-again, off-again retiree Roger Clemens and current Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, has raised serious doubts about the integrity of the sport.

With one vehemently denying allegations of illegal drug use and the other admitting to making a mistake hardly worth ruining his stellar career, it is unknown how the public and other athletes will react towards either player from this point forward.

Pettitte arrived at spring training on Feb. 18 and was welcomed by his teammates with open arms. All expressed their admiration for his honesty and courage.

Will fans be as open minded when the season officially begins, or will the stigma of this issue continue to follow him much like it does Barry Bonds?

In all likelihood, this will not be the case. Considering Pettitte used HGH as a means of speeding up his recovery following injuries in 2002 and 2004, most will probably look the other way. After all, the substances did not better his record as it did for others that have been linked to steroids including Mark McGwire, Jose Conseco and Yankee teammate Jason Giambi among countless others.

It is very rare that athletes confess to lapses in judgment as extreme as this. We need only look to the recent Marion Jones Olympic controversy as proof. However, Pettitte was quite upfront in acknowledging his error. He realizes the influence he has on young audiences which has made him both humble and vulnerable, thus capturing public sentiment. He will be supported in spite of these transgressions, being that people love to cheer on the underdog. Whether this will happen to future Hall of Famer Clemens remains to be seen.

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