Question about gambling and drugs in baseball

CharlieMaxwell · Mar 17, 2005

Baseball's new collective bargaining agreement allows a baseball player who uses illegal steroids 5 strikes before he is banned. However, if a player is found guilty of gambling, he is banned immediately.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THAT FACT???????????????

Charlie

WorldNumberOne · Mar 17, 2005

commit 5 federal offenses before your employment is terminated..

who else can break the law 5 times before being fired ?

Dubpoet · Mar 17, 2005

Gambling? are there distinctions like casino card games or bets on baseball itself or other sports.

CharlieMaxwell · Mar 17, 2005

Dubpoet,

A baseball player would have to bet on baseball before he is terminated. It is a zero tolerance. But an illegal substance abuser in baseball is given a progressive penalty, until he is FINALLY banned for his fifth offense.

This is what the U.S Congress was discussing today for almost 12 hours.

Does ANYBODY have an opinion on this? Does this make anybody angry?

Charlie

WildBill · Mar 17, 2005

Using steroids under a doctor's supervision isn't a crime, just that baseball doesn't allow them for competitive reasons. I tend to believe there is nothing wrong with baseball's approach to betting on games. After all what would we think if we were betting on the World Series and the starting pitcher's buddy was in line at the book about to bet against him?

Betting on a sport by participants is a terrible thing. The thing I have a problem with is how the sports leagues and colleges speak about betting by non-participating parties who merely aim to have fun with it.

CharlieMaxwell · Mar 17, 2005

Bill,

We will have to discuss this over lunch. I have a very strong opinion that the use of PERFORMANCE ENHANCING drugs (CHEATING) is every bit as bad as gambling and should be treated in the same way.

Charlie