What's the point

[so-cal dub]

01.15.2008 What was the point?

 

Rather than asking tough questions or critiquing baseball leadership for allowing drug use to flourish, Tuesday's congressional hearings were basically a lovefest for George Mitchell, Bud Selig, and Donald Fehr. Believe it or not, the majority of panel members actually congratulated Mitchell, Selig, and Fehr for their work in combating the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Rep. Burton of Indiana even stated that "other sports should take the lead from baseball." Are they serious?

 

Equally as frustrating is the credibility and reverence which continues to be given to the Mitchell Report. Despite containing very little evidence, the report was treated by Congress as the holy grail of PED investigations.

 

George Mitchell even offered a glimpse into the ridiculous process which went in to compiling the report. If a player was accused by one of his two sources (Radomski or McNamee), Mitchell offered that player a chance to refute the allegations before his name was published. In one instance, Mitchell stated that Radomski had named a former player, and in response, the player contacted the Senator to say that he never used performance-enhancing drugs. Mitchell told the player to provide evidence to support his claim and the player did. As a result, Mitchell decided to take his name off the report. What is extremely idiotic about this is that Mitchell did not require Radomski to provide evidence to support his claims. Players were guilty until proven innocent.

 

There was really only one Congressman who expressed skepticism at Mitchell's report. Ironically, it was Rep. Lynch of Massachusetts. Alluding to the lack of sources and evidence in the investigation, Lynch asked, "What percentage of the report do you think came from Mr. Radomski and Mr. McNamee?" Mitchell dodged the question by saying that he had not performed that calculation.

 

By and large, there was no point to having this hearing. No questions were answered. No questions were asked. It was basically a pep rally for baseball leadership and a showcase for Rep. Henry Waxman's nose.

 

Thank you

 

[Virginia Giant]

I'm loving this. *

[fringe]

......yet millions go without healthcare.

[Ditto]

"There was really only one Congressman who expressed skepticism at Mitchell's report. Ironically, it was Rep. Lynch of Massachusetts. Alluding to the lack of sources and evidence in the investigation, Lynch asked, "What percentage of the report do you think came from Mr. Radomski and Mr. McNamee?" Mitchell dodged the question by saying that he had not performed that calculation."

 

Assuming the Steinbrenners have the pull the media alludes to, it's up to them to pursue this question. I'd say it's high time to investigate Mitchell. I'd also be surprised if baseball doesn't take a hit because of this asshole.