Baltimore Sun: Cal Ripken and Questions about the Steroid Debate

Link:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-ripken1205,0,5878715.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines

The article aforementioned on top was just posted on the baltimoresun.com website this afternoon. Basically, Ripken was trying to do his best to be diplomatic and sidestep questions about McGwire, those accused of drug use and the Hall of Fame.

I respect Cal Ripken a great deal for not only what he's done as an Oriole, but his business ventures, working with kids along with the love and passion for the sport. Certainly, if I was in his position, I'd also not want to answer questions about the steroids in sports, especially when it involves someone you may or may not know well.

Ripken, in the end, is simply trying to be a good guy and stay clear of controversy, but it would be nice if he had a stated a opinion. The words and thoughts of Ripken carry a lot of weight, especially to kids and those who idolize him and perhaps he should make a definitive statement one of these days speaking out against the dangers of drugs and keeping the integrity of baseball pristine.

I think (in an idealistic sense) that those in positions of influence, or power have an obligation to speak out against wrongdoing or something that goes against the grain of what they believe.

Frank Robinson, whether you think he's right or wrong has had his say, and I respect him for it.

It's about time others in the same position do the same to keep the game clean, and more importantly teach our kids that there's no shortcut to success. I wish more athletes, current and retired, like Frank Robinson, the late Cory Lidle would for a moment speak out and share their thoughts on controversial issues rather than their be concerned about their own image, not rocking the boat or toe the company line.

I'll speak more about the drug issue and some of the players involved soon...