"Moving On"

We have received an advance copy of a statement to be released next week by Major League Baseball:

"Pursuant to resolutions of the Owners Committee, its designees conducted an inquiry and investigation into the use of steroids and other performing enhancing substances over more than ten years in Major League Baseball."

"The hearings of the Committee and its deliberations, received wide national publicity over television, radio, and in printed media, and have resulted in decisions adverse to those who used these substances and are preparing to take steps to punish those offending players."

"As a result of certain acts occurring before this date, many players have become liable to possible punishment. The accused would be entitled to a further fair review by an impartial panel, as guaranteed to every individual under the by-laws of baseball."

"It is believed that punishment of these players, if it became necessary, could not fairly begin until a year or more has elapsed. In the meantime, the 2006 season, which this nation has been expecting, could be irreparably impaired by the prospects of bringing to review the past actions of many major league players."

"The prospects of such review will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation those players who have already paid the unprecedented penalty of trials by a voracious media. The publication of books and trial by the media has diverted the public away from the actual game of baseball."

"Now, THEREFORE, I, Bud Selig, Commissioner of Baseball, have granted and by these presents do grant an absolute pardon unto those players for all offenses against Baseball and its rules and regulations."

"I also state that all records of these athletes remain in place, and that Baseball shall continue to recognize them."

"It is time for our sport to look to the future. We apologize to our fans for the past, and look forward to a drug free 2006 season, without the turmoil of looking back."

"God bless Major League Baseball, and The United States Of America." None of the words written above are true.

I plagiarized the basic text from President Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon. The president did the right thing by pardoning Nixon: saving our country the trauma that would have transpired in our nation had he not done so.

There was an opportunity years ago for Major League Baseball and the Major League Players Association to implement mandatory testing for substances, and they didn't. Both parties share the responsibility for today's mess.

It seems to me to be unfair to punish the high profile players for these violations while those who transgressed without much success will not be punished.

As with Nixon, that "game" was over, and let the "new games" begin.

Norman Horowitz

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