The perception, ... is that baseball's players' union is protecting players to use steroids and other illegal performance-enhancing drugs. |
The war against terror is every bit as important as our fight against fascism in World War II. Or our struggle against the spread of Communism during the Cold War. |
They are eager to resolve this quickly and not be seen as the protectors of athletes taking steroids that cheat the fans and most importantly and above all else harm our children. Because in the end, this is really all about protecting our kids who look up to these players as role models and try to emulate them. |
They never take the step that you need to take to let people know that this is absolutely unacceptable, and that's to throw them out for life. |
This is about the integrity of the game and particularly the kids. |
This is the 35th time you have appeared before a committee that I sit on, ... I think I'm finally beginning to understand your statements and answers, which probably means it's time for one of us to go. |
This is what I had hoped for all along, for the two private parties to come to an agreement on their own without Congress having to do it for them, ... not as tough as I would like. |
This offers the fans, I think, the almost certainty that there will be nothing but baseball to worry about. The focus will be on baseball and not on labor unrest. |
Today, Medicare provides health insurance to about 40 million seniors and disabled individuals each year. The number is only expected to grow as the baby boomers begin retiring. |
We could probably live with that. |
We don't want the bill, but if they can't get together, they're going to get a bill, |
We have heard a lot of talk from professional sports leagues that they would do something to clean up this mess, but so far it has been just that: a lot of talk, ... Hopefully Congress' action will light a fire under their feet to come to an agreement before we do it for them. |
We must send the message that if you use illegal drugs, you will pay the ultimate price by not playing an entire season, ... And if you get caught again, you will be banished for life. |
We plan to find out if these major league sports are going to do anything. If they give us the excuse that they're tied in to collective bargaining agreements and they can't do anything, ... then it's up to Congress to change it and make it the law of the land. |
We'll leave it there and see what the other major league sports do, ... We are very anxious to rid all professional sports of any ... steroids or amphetamines. |