Drug use just the tip of the iceberg

For several years of my youth, I idolized the Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine.” Some people say they were one of the greatest lineups in baseball. The memories of watching the Orioles battle the Big Red Machine in the World Series will never leave my mind.

I remember the commotion about Pete Rose with gambling. I remember he was banned from induction into the Hall of Fame because of it. Today, gambling is an acceptable vice and viewed as “fun” for many. Every serious sports fan I know bets in some way.

Are you surprised over the recent report of drug use by baseball players? If you are, maybe you don’t know it’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Many people know that drugs, alcohol and bad behavior are synonymous with sports athletes today. While I’m sure there are good people in every sport, it seems there are more bad apples than good. Nowadays, all we hear about in the news regarding professional athletes relates to guns, violence and drug use.

I’m getting tired of sports fans spending large sums of money watching athletes who act like fools, because in my opinion, they’re simply promoting bad behavior. I can’t think of many current athletes I’d want my nephew looking up to as a sports mentor.

I recently heard Michael Vick got more jail time than a drunken driver received when he killed someone on the road. I’m not condoning what he did but I wonder where the lines are drawn.

I sure hope people realize all this bad behavior sheds a proper light on Mr. Rose and his sins of the past. I vote to forgive him and put him in the Hall of Fame where he belongs.

One more thing, how much longer do I have to keep calling Barry Bonds the Home Run King?

Ken Hopstad

Marysville