Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Steroids 'prominent' in baseball
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Ken Caminiti, the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1996, says he won the award while on steroids and that at least half of major-leaguers use the drugs.
In a Sports Illustrated report on steroids in baseball, Caminiti confirmed he used them in the season he batted a career-high .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBI.
“I've made a ton of mistakes,” said Caminiti, a recovering alcoholic and for mer drug user whose 15-year career ended last season. “I don't think using steroids is one of them.
“It's no secret what's going on in baseball. At least half the guys are using steroids. They talk about it. They joke about it with each other.”
Arizona pitcher Curt Schilling said steroid use was rampant within the game.
“I'm not sure how (it) snuck in so quickly, but it's become a prominent thing very quickly. It's widely known in the game,” he told SI. “When you add in steroids and strength training, you're seeing records not just being broken but completely shattered.”
The NFL and NBA prohibit steroids and test for them. The NHL and Major League Baseball, however, have no policy regarding their use. A ban in baseball would have to be collectively bargained with the Players Association.
“No one denies that it is a problem,” MLB commissioner Bud Selig said. “It's a problem we can and must deal with now. ... I'm very worried about this.”
After retiring from baseball this season, slugger Jose Canseco said he planned to write a book about drug use in the majors. He estimated that 85 percent of major-leaguers use steroids.
Texas pitcher Kenny Rogers told SI: “Basically, steroids can jump you a level or two. The average player can become a star, and the star player can become a superstar. And the superstar? Forget it. He can do things we've never seen before.”
Anabolic steroids elevate the body's testosterone, increasing muscle mass. They are illegal in the United States unless prescribed by a physician for medical reasons.
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Steroids 'prominent' in baseball
