Not Everyone Thinks Steroids Should Exclude Stars From HOF

Yesterday we said that 2013 may be the year that we see a shift in philosophy towards the steroid era players. New York Times sports columnist Bill Rhoden lashed out at the system and vigilante voters Thursday on “CBS This Morning.

The 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot includes first-timers Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens,Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza, Curt Schilling, Craig Biggio and Kenny Lofton. Bonds , Clemens and Sosa are at the crux of the debate, with all three players having been linked to steroids in their careers.

” Rhoden said there is “no question these guys are the greatest players in their position…they were superstars before this kind of stuff…and the numbers speak for themselves.”

Rhoden refered to “vigilante voters” and predicted those orders would send a message cheaters  and do what the court couldn’t do. Rohoden also addressed the message they could be sent to kids that using steroids and cheating is okay. Rhoden accurately pointed out, that Clemens was acquitted, and Bonds was convicted of obstructions of justice. Again, as we said yesterday in America we are still innocent until proven guilty.

Rhoden went on to add that despite the steroid accusations, the players in question are still “probably the cleanest guys going into the Hall of Fame,” and defended his stance. “Give me a break…you’ve got bigots, racists, rapists in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “To me the debate is not whether they should be in, to me it’s beyond question.”

By the way Rhoden doesn’t think Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame and that Marvin Miller and Curt Flood should be. On that Mr.  Rhoden and I agree.  Here’s the video.