MLB and Steroids - Cut Bud Some Slack!

Bud Selig is receiving unfair criticism concerning this whole Major League Baseball steroid scandal. Basically, critics say that Selig either was out of touch with baseball or that he just turned his back on steroids because of the popularity of baseball made by Sosa, McGwire, Bonds, and others. Those that take this position are uneducated and baseball illiterate. The reason for steroids in baseball is because there was no testing mechanism available MLB because player testing is a collectively bargained issue. Testing could not be inposed by Bud without the player's union willing to accept a testing program for any kind of substance use. The Players Association's stance was that testing is part of the rights of personal privacy. There was a steadfast refusal on the union's part for any kind of testing. But thanks to Congress and Presidential intervention and the threat of federal legislation, the Union was willing to sit down with the Commisioner's Office and impose a testing program.

The Commisioner's Office was able to institute a testing program in the minor's, thanks to no union intervention. This program involved the ability to test any player for any drug at any time. The number of incidents in the minors has been minimal due to this policy. I believe with a similar policy in the Majors would have prevented steroid allegations and scandals.
So, let's cut Bud some slack, and start blaming the union. They have continually ruined the game of baseball causing salaries to skyrocket, among other things...but that is a blog for another time.