Romero Speaks About 50-Game Suspension
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Sun, February 15, 2009 10:49 AM | Comments: 11
Posts, Raising Questions
Despite the rebirth theme of Pitchers & Catchers Day, JC Romero was center of attention as he spoke to the media about his 50-game suspension. He got that verdict after testing positive for an illegal substance, and Phil Sheridan writes that Romero’s suspension should be lessened.
His argument touches on a few facets, mostly concerning confusion about the product he took. His bottom line — that the difference between Romero’s case (taking a supplement that happened to include something that later became illegal) and other major cases (being shot in the rear with an illegal substance) doesn’t justify the penalty.
The issue of Alex Rodriguez shouldn’t be taken into account now, for it wasn’t taken into account before. But there’s a valid point — there seems to be mounds of confusion surrounding this case; should it lead to something as highly consequential as a loss of 1/3 of a season?
Posts: 0 Greg V.
A-Rod should definately be taken into account. I’m not saying he should be suspended but it really doesn’t seem right that he is allowed to play at full capacity and J.C. Romero is out 50 games for drinking a protein shake or whatever the hell it was from GNC.
Posted: 11:05 AM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 BurrGundy
Romero is absolutely correct about the length of his suspension –25 games would be more like an equitable punishment. The substance was only recently banned, compared to substances like HGH and others. There does come a time when strong examples need to be made and Romero, unfortunately, falls into that category. His penalty should be cut in half.
Posted: 11:29 AM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 Smanuel
Romero got a raw deal!!!
Posted: 12:02 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 Chapps
The A-rod issue is not an issue as far as MLB is concerned since what he did wasn’t against the rules at the time, much like Big Mac and Sammy.
The only thing that I’m having trouble understanding with J.C. is that I read that he was unaware of the MLB hot-line, not sure how that is possible since I as a fan knew that they had one. Is MLB doing a better job of getting info to the fans then to the players. I love J.C. but that is a kinda hard to believe. But on a positive note he will be extremely fresh for the Aug-Sep push and the playoffs.
Posted: 12:04 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 OZ
it all comes down to a lack of creditibility under Bud Selig’s leadership. he’s looked like a bafoon time and time again. whatever the “letter of the law” is these days – and that’s how JC was held accountable – really doesn’t hold much weight. this, due to, Selig’s PATTERN of mistakes, or really, lack of action – McGwire & Sosa, then Bonds, rain conditions in the Phils-Ray WS. etc. etc.
Posted: 01:23 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 mets09
bud selig did the right thing with the rain delay in the w.s. Did you not want the game too be finished?
Posted: 02:00 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 Phillies Phan SC
Screw the A-Rod situation, the key is NOT A-Rod, but that JC ASKED the union before taking it. I agree that JC is responsible for his actions, so he should get a suspension of equal to or LESS THAN 25 games, because he tried to do the right thing. Perhaps he did not go far enough, which is my reasoning that he should serve a suspension for ignorance versus cheating. Rob Dibble said it best – and I am paraphrasing – if you are taking something with ingredients you cannot pronounce, don’t ask a lawyer, as an MLB DOCTOR.
As for A-Rod, I cannot stand him, but I still do not agree with that situation – the way it was handled. I am glad he was exposed, but for the good of baseball, release the 103 names now and let’s be done with this once and for all.
Posted: 02:36 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 KM
Romero gets 50 games for taking something he bought at a vitamin shop, but A-rod, an admitted steroid user gets nothing for taking something that is illegal to the game, and better yet, illegal to have in this country.
F Bud Selig, and the rest of the MLB hierarchy.
Posted: 02:51 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 NateB
suspensions should be judged on INTENT!! Free J.C., and punish the abusers!!
Posted: 03:03 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 therookie300
All blame should be placed with the MLBPA. Aren’t these guys supposed to protect the players? Helluva job they did here with Romero. I ask the following question, why is there not an easily accessible list of substances that will get flagged in this day and age? Why?
Posted: 06:50 PM on February 15, 2009
Posts: 0 bloodclot
when the phils play the yankees may 22, arod gets to play and JC will still be suspended
that’s messed up
Posted: 09:47 PM on February 15, 2009