As American as Mom, Apple Pie, and Steroid Infused Baseball...

Yesterday morning I woke up, took a shower and started to get ready for church. I had a good feeling that it was going to be a good day despite the clouds covering up the sun. Church was good, and my grande Starbucks in my cup holder made the ride back to my house better. But it was when I got back to my house and turned on Sportscenter, that the clouds in the sky came down and covered me.

One of my favorite sports once again was in scandal of a player using steroids, and not just any player, one of my favorite players, Alex Rodriguez. A player poised to have another MVP season this coming year, the one hand picked to take over Barry Bonds home run record* mark, being a roll model for younger generations and Latinos, all while being a sportsman, and showing that hard work and dedication pay off... Or so we thought?

Reports are saying that back in 2003, in which he won the MLB MVP, Rodriguez tested positive for illegal performance enhancing substances, along with 104 other players. Whether it is true or not is to be seen. But for me, and other fans of the game, it is still a sad time in the sport whether or not you like A-Rod or not.

What kind of message is this sending to younger players out there that follow the careers of these athletes? The kids that hang on every move, and word that these player do or say. In a time were we have to put labels on the things that our kids buy and watch to protect them from dangers, and other things, are we going to have to filter the athletes that they watch too? How sad is this?

I played football for 10 years, 4 of which at a great college that was a top 10 national team every year. The wanting to be better, faster, and stronger was pressed on you every day that you stepped into the field house, the weight room, and on to the practice field. And as hard as you may thing it is to get your hands on steroids and other enhancing substances, it really wasn't.

But to me, I knew that I would get zero satisfaction if we were to win and I had cheated to get there. And that is what those drugs make you, a cheater! What happened to the days of working hard, having dedication to your desire to play the game, and investing into yourself to become the best that you can be, and feeling good at the end of the day.

I am disappointed, upset, and saddened by all this. And only hope that the younger generations out there learn from these "athletes" and follow their own course. Sad day...