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Bush says steroids have 'sullied' the game

Dec. 14 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush, responding to an investigation on drug use in Major League Baseball, said steroids have "sullied" the game.

Former Senator George Mitchell's investigation said players and management ignored evidence of drug use in the sport and recommended that the league hire an outside agency to conduct drug tests. Yesterday's report showed seven Most Valuable Players and 31 All-Stars were connected to steroids, stimulants and human growth hormone.

"I love the sport, I love the game," Bush said during a press conference at the White House Rose Garden. "Like many fans, I've been troubled by the steroid allegations. My hope is that this report is a part of putting the steroid-era of baseball behind us."

The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, union chief Donald Fehr and Mitchell to appear at a hearing on Dec. 18, while a U.S. House Commerce subcommittee will hold a hearing on Jan. 23.

Bush, who was managing general partner of the Texas Rangers from 1989 through 1994, noted in his 2004 State of the Union message the impact that professional players have on youth.
"I urge those in the public spotlight, particularly athletes, to understand that when they violate their bodies, they're sending a terrible signal to America's young," Bush said.

The 311-page report identified All-Stars such as Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Miguel Tejada as having used steroids or human growth hormone. Other players cited included Chuck Knoblauch, Lenny Dykstra, Mo Vaughn, Paul Lo Duca, Eric Gagne and Barry Bonds.

Selig will determine what, if any, discipline will be imposed. The investigation was limited to events before September 2002, when the league and players agreed to ban performance-enhancing drugs.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 12:04 PM | Permalink