Former Major League Baseball power slugger and current Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire sounded regretful and somber after the league suspended 13 players, including 3-time MVP Alex Rodriguez, for using performance-enhancing drugs, ESPN reported.
As a player, McGwire had 583 home runs and accumulated 1,626 hits during his 16-career but was one of the most prominent figures during baseball's steroids era. He had broken baseball's home run record in 1998 with 70 homers, but did so by taking PEDs. He did not admit taking drugs until 2010, however. His career accomplishments have been viewed as tainted because of his drug use.
"I wish I was never a part of it," McGwire said on Tuesday. "Just get rid of it. If it's better to have bigger suspensions, then they're going to have to change it. I wish there were things in place earlier. They were put in in 2003 I think. I just really hope and pray that this is the end of it. Everybody, especially the players, don't want any more part of it, and I hope this is the end of it. ... I wish I was never part of it."
McGwire said that he was not sure whether the suspensions to noted stars were too harsh or not harsh enough. He is nonetheless "happy that Major League Baseball is taking care of it and we can move forward. Hopefully this will be the end of it. An increased number of players have come out against PED users, and also the players' union is in factor of better testing for drugs."
McGwire's comments come as major stars, including New Yankees Star Alex Rodriguez, are facing numerous suspensions. Rodriguez, baseball's highest paid player, was suspended for a record 211 games on Monday for his involvement in a long-standing doping scandal. As part of his appeal, Rodriguez is allowed to play likely through the remainder of this season. Another 12 players were suspended the remainder of the season. MVP Ryan Braun also was suspended last month.
"I want to express to you guys and the fans of baseball that the last seven months have been a nightmare, probably the worst time of my life," Rodriguez said before Monday's game, which he is allowed to play in as part of the appeal process. "Obviously for the circumstances that are at hand and also dealing with a very tough surgery and rehab program."
Rodriguez was also asked about using PEDs. "I think we'll have a forum to discuss all of that, and we'll talk about it then," he answered. "There's nothing about it that's been easy. All of it has been challenging. I'm sure there's been mistakes made along the way. We're here now," Rodriguez said. "I'm a human being. I've had two hip surgeries, two knee surgeries. I'm fighting for my life. I have to defend myself. If I don't defend myself, no one else will."
