It is so disappointing to see the scandal of drug abuse unfold in Major League Baseball.  Today Roger Clemens testified before a congressional committee along with  his former trainer.  The analysts seem to be divided as to who is telling the truth.  That is not really the point.  The implications of this scandal go far beyond the two that testified.

This is a major indictment on the sport and is a black eye for the American Pastime.  It will cause the public to question the credibility of everyone involved in the sport.  That is too bad.  There are those that must shoulder a major part of the burden.

The owners have turned their heads because they are looking for players that can produce the big numbers.  This puts more people in the seats and increases their profits.  It is all about the money and if the reputation of the sport suffers, they are willing to take the chance.

The players union is only interested in getting the most for its players.  Once again, it is all about greed.  It would not be difficult to come with an effective testing program that would clean up baseball very quickly, but they are focused on the money.  Such an attitude on both sides cheapens the sport.

Because of this scandal, the reputation of many fine players is called into question.  We are left with the question, Who can we believe?

At the same time, our kids at the jr. high, high school and college level are paying the price.  The use of such substances is on the rise and these professional players are showing them the way.

Let us hope it will get better, but the reputation of the game has been damaged for a long time to come.