House Committee to Bring Seven Ballplayers In to Testify

A conversation about baseball these days will undoubtedly involve something about this "juicing" scandal, and Bostonist ain't talkin' about these guys or this dude (he's a whole different story). Between the Balco scandal, Barry Bonds crushing home-run records, the leaked statements by Jason Giambi admitting he took steroids, and now Canseco's book it was inevitable that somewhere along the line the government would become involved. Yes, there's been much in the news, for months, abound the business that was being done within BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative) - but that involved athletes in a wide sampling of sports. This congressional committee investigation (PDF) is directly targeted towards the steroid use specifically within our "national past-time". Being subpoenaed to testify are Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Jason Giambi, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, Frank Thomas and our own Red Sox ace Curt Schilling. Noticeably absent from this list is Mr. Balco himself, Barry Bonds — very interesting. Others who will also be there include commissioner Bud Selig, and Donald Fehr, baseball's union leader.

In an interview with Dennis and Callahan on Sports Radio 850 WEEI, Stephen Lynch, a representative from MA's 9th district, spoke about what the purpose of this investigation was. He states that this is not a targeted attempt to force these players, while under oath, to admit to any guilt. This is primarily an investigation into the environment and circumstances around the sport that foster the necessity for some players to adopt the practice of "juicing". Lynch specifically said that Curt Schilling was not brought on due to any suspicions that he was also using, but because of previous comments on the subject matter. Those of us who know a bit about Curt will agree that when he has an opinion he is, by no means, afraid to talk about it.