Marchant Statement on Steroid Hearings

Marchant Statement on Steroid Hearings
March 17, 2005

Washington, DC: "It is clear from today's hearings that Major League Baseball needs to clean up its act. Everyone from the parents, to the players, to the medical experts agreed today on the dire effects of recreational steroid use, but baseball seems reluctant to take the measures to wipe out the epidemic.

"Baseball is taking baby steps when it needs to be making major strides. The new testing policy is a start, but it is still inadequate. The penalties for testing positive for steroids are much less harsh than other sports. Baseball calls for a ten-day suspension after the first positive test, and thirty days after the second, while the International Olympic Committee penalizes first time offenders with a two year suspension and second time offenders are banned for life.

"Another loophole in the policy is that baseball only conducts urine tests, which do not detect human growth hormone. There is no means to identify this prevalent performance enhancer. Urine tests create enormous opportunities for fraud because the players are unattended during the tests. Problems exist as well with the fact that certain known steroids on other organizations' lists are not banned by baseball.

"The most moving testimony of the day came from the parents of children whose steroid use led to suicide. As someone who is especially concerned with steroids in schools, I stand with Mr. Hooton in the call for education and awareness. It is important for teachers and parents to preach the message that steroids are dangerous.

"These hearings have served as a wake-up call. I am encouraged by the players' pledges to use their influence to discourage America's youth from using steroids. America now realizes the magnitude of the steroid problem and will hold baseball and the players accountable for helping to remedy it."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx24_marchant/pr_050317.html