Run into some old friends from another group or board? Want to do a little schmoozing, talk over old times? Or just some off topic stuff, then this is the place.
Mr. X wrote:If the Feds don't have Greg Anderson (the personal trainer and alleged supplier of the juice) on board to testify against Bonds this will not be an easy case to prove IMO. From what I've read Anderson's release from prison today was coincidental and does not necessarily indicate that he's going to cooperate.
I read something yesterday from Anderson's lawyer basically asking why Anderson was held in jail for so long if they didn't need him for charges against Bonds.
Mr. X wrote:The Feds say they have proof that Bonds tested positive for steroids but that is allegedly from Victor Conte's records and that should be fairly easy for a defense attorney to impugn (and could possibly be ruled inadmissible depending on a whole range of issues and not even make into evidence).
I'm surprised that the feds are going forward with something that appears to be pretty weak. If it was some two-bit Nifong-esque local, it'd be a different story, but federal prosecutors don't usually go with something this weak.
wang_chi7 wrote:Its ridiculous Merriman simply got 4 games for his cheating. Others have gotten the same for an over the counter suppliment that doesn't nearly have the effect. And were honest mistakes. Their drug program needs a heavy overhaul.
There's a difference you're missing between the steroid policy and the drug policy. The steroid policy has suspensions on the first offense. The drug policy doesn't have a suspension until the third offense. Ricky Williams has gotten hit because he's had at least 5 positive tests, and he's still able to play. 5 positive steroid tests and a player wouldn't be playing in the NFL.
Also, as to Merriman making the Pro Bowl, the rule was changed this offseason to prohibit a player from making the Pro Bowl if they violate the steroid policy.
glg wrote:
There's a difference you're missing between the steroid policy and the drug policy. The steroid policy has suspensions on the first offense. The drug policy doesn't have a suspension until the third offense. Ricky Williams has gotten hit because he's had at least 5 positive tests, and he's still able to play. 5 positive steroid tests and a player wouldn't be playing in the NFL.
Also, as to Merriman making the Pro Bowl, the rule was changed this offseason to prohibit a player from making the Pro Bowl if they violate the steroid policy.
Good poin on recreational drugs. I failed to point it out. I still don't agree with how anabolic steroids are treated the same as over the counter suppliments that end up having something in them the player didn't know about. Yes, they need to be accountable on what they use, but the punishment shouldn't be the same.
I still don't agree that its the NFL's business on things like marijuana unless it effects performance. But I do understand it. They don't want to be like the NBA a few years ago. Its an image thing. Though if they didn't test, we wouldn't likely know who was into what.
I totally forgot about that they finally made the pro bowl rule. My point was more with that people still voted a cheater in, which is ridiculous. People should be ashamed. And the journalists that didn't say boo about it but jump on any tidbit about baseball players, even hearsay, are just as much to blame.
wang_chi7 wrote:I still don't agree with how anabolic steroids are treated the same as over the counter suppliments that end up having something in them the player didn't know about. Yes, they need to be accountable on what they use, but the punishment shouldn't be the same.
The policy itself quite specifically says that the league doesn't care if it was inadvertent or not and it even gives a specific doctor to call if there is question about a particular supplement.
glg wrote:
The policy itself quite specifically says that the league doesn't care if it was inadvertent or not and it even gives a specific doctor to call if there is question about a particular supplement.
Yeah I know. It is pretty dumb of them to not be very careful about what suppliments they use. But they shouldn't carry the same weight as a hardcore steroid. IMO.