Really, weed?

I understand drug testing, really I do. I like the fact that all the major sports organizations try to keep the game clean of performance enhancers, but weed really. The only thing I have ever seen marijuana do is inspire people to get more Funyans. I don't care if my neighbor smokes pot much less the catcher for the Chicago Cubs. But of course I got to hear about it on every sports show today.

If you do not know the story, here it is. Chicago Cubs catcher, Geovany Soto, tested positive for marijuana during the World Baseball Classic back in March. They test every athlete for the Classic, and a few have come under scrutiny for some positive tests. Other than Soto, Sidney Ponson of the Kansas City Royals tested positive for a stimulant. the stimulant happened to be an over the counter weight loss drug, that Ponson had made all parties involved that he was taking. As for MLB it looks like neither of the athletes are going to serve suspensions for the infractions as they are first time offenders. But in Soto's case I know he must miss two years of international play for smoking a doobie!

I have two favorite parts of this story. My first favorite part of this story is the very eloquent apology that Soto issued. Now i know that these guys don't speak for themselves, they have publicists and speech writers that write statements for them. But it wasn't just the fantastically written statement, but the words that were being said. He owned up to every bit of it, saying he was "embarrassed", and letting his family and fans know this was an "isolated incident" and a "lapse of judgement". I can't speak for the fact that it was an isolated incident, but that does sound like the very thing I would say if my dad caught me smoking weed. "Yeah Pops, it's my first time." But the fun doesn't stop there. Lou Piniella, the Cubs skipper, also commented on the incident today, and as always Sweet Lou was fantastic! Lou blew the whole thing off as no big deal even adding "Look I have smoked dope one time in my lifetime." This is exactly why Lou should always be miked for sound.

I have no problem with any athlete smoking pot as long as they own up when the authorities come calling. I believe everyone has smoked a little dope in their day and I am firm advocate for it's legalization. But if you do get caught, own it like Soto did. And if someone you know gets caught, own it like Piniella did. And if your not willing to do either, you will be skipped in the rotation. Live like no one is watching, and put the bong down and get some work done!