"No reason to get defensive about steroid questions, Barry. This isn't your fault, it's your collective bargaining agreement's. Your union scores nothing but splash hits against the owners, who have conceded all drug testing.
So when you scoff, "They can test me any time they want," that's as misleading to the uninformed as it is amusing to the informed. No, they cannot test you, period.
That's why I'd love to hear you announce: "Because of all the rumors swirling around baseball, I've asked our management to hire an independent agency to test me, at random, once a month, year-round.
"I'm doing this because I want high school, college and minor league kids to know I built my body the right way. I have never used anabolic steroids, or any of the over-the-counter testosterone enhancers, because we can't be sure about the long-term dangers they pose and because players can get addicted to using them. I've learned to eat right and work hard in the weight room. I was blessed with lots of God-given ability. I've enhanced it by getting bigger and stronger the way God intended."
In 1998, while Mark McGwire was hitting 70 homers and Sammy Sosa 66, you hit 37. In 2000, you hit a career-high 49. Then, boom, 73.
Meanwhile, your upper-body muscles ripped out of your T-shirts like the Incredible Hulk's as your weight rose from around 210 to perhaps 240.
Barry, I've recently heard from several doctors and bodybuilding experts who believe your muscle-mass explosion had to be steroid-fueled. Several say your face exhibits the puffiness of a man who cycles steroids. I argue that, after night games, you've been eating a little too much of the product you're now endorsing -- Kentucky Fried Chicken.
You say you weigh 222 now, Barry. I at least dare you to weigh for the media.
Say it ain't so, Barry. Welcome steroid questions. Campaign against what could become an epidemic. Do it for your image, your records, your game.
And forgive me if I'm being a fool."
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