December 9, 2004

Street Talk by Carol Rosen

How do you feel about the steroid scandal? Do you feel the same about an athlete like Barry Bonds and his record-breaking homeruns or do you think the scandal detracts from his accomplishments?
(Asked at Via Valiente Plaza)


“I think we always knew something was going on. Especially when we see athletes in their 30s getting bigger, stronger and more skilled. I’m glad it’s out in the open now. Hopefully, they will pass some legislation that will level the playing field. My understanding is that the drugs weren’t illegal at the time Barry Bonds started taking them. But he’s still a terrific athlete, it’s just that now people have questions if he should be honored when he had ‘a little bit’ of help.”

Linda Horikawa
Almaden
Retired kindergarten teacher

“I think Sen. McCain is right. There should be federal laws, after all baseball is a monopoly and it should be held to the same standards [as other sports]. This is not much different than high school drug problems, they just shouldn’t do it. Remember Lyle Alzado, the football player, he died a painful death from steroids, but when people are young the truth doesn’t always come through to them. I find it sad [about Bonds’ records] because my son and I saw him hit number 73. But there ought to be an asterisk next to his name to show that he reached those records using chemical enhancement measures.”

Paul Grant, 70
Almaden
Retired scientist

“I think that it’s ridiculous when they [athletes] deny it [they’ve taken drugs]. Everyone knows what’s going on. It’s sad for professional sports that the players feel they have to take these drugs to become famous. How do I feel about Bond’s records? That’s a tough one. I think we have to look at the impact of steroids on all sports records to determine the effects.”

Michele Taylor, 50
Almaden
Works in Graystone Elementary library


“I think it’s awful, because when families are trying to teach their kids to do the right thing and stay away from all drugs, it’s sending the wrong message to people. I do feel the same about Bonds’ records because I think most of them happened before he went on the steroids. He’s an awesome athlete. But to know that some of his records weren’t really his own skill is disappointing.”

Anne Hayden, 40ish
Almaden
Homemaker

“I really think that the baseball leagues have to put down rules like football did. They need to start testing. I know these things [taking steroids] are done, but it’s not good. I don’t think they should take Bonds’ records from him, but they should abolish steroid use. Kids look up to him, he’s a national hero. It’s disappointing. Kids ask why is it okay for him to take steroids and not them? Down the road, he’s going to have lots of health problems. But this won’t keep me from cheering him on. I don’t think it’s a national issue.”

Betty Benson, 60ish
Almaden
Retired

“I think the whole thing has been blown way out of perspective. Mankind has always used something to enhance his athletic prowess, look at the Greeks, even they were using types of performance enhancements. I think the press has gone goofy. I definitely feel the same about Bonds’ records. He would have hit just as many [home runs] without the steroids, he just wouldn’t have hit them as far!”

Luke Stamos, 60ish
Almaden
Semi-retire