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Show The Daily Utah Chnmlck, Monday, September 38, 185 Page Twenty Drug tests aire essential to save grand old ganme With the recent baseball-relate- d convictions of two drug dealers in Pittsburgh in the past weeks, it has become readily apparent that the grand old game's reputation is in danger. Rumors have abounded in recent years about the massive penetration of drugs, most notably cocaine, into the heart of baseball. These were denied by virtually everybody involved in the game. OPINION BY Peter Behle But new commissioner Peter Ueberroth has changed that. Seeing what was happening at the trials, where a number of current players testified about the use of narcotics by players, Ueberroth knew something had to be done. And fast. Ueberroth knows that there is only one way to stop the infiltration of drugs into baseball. And he knows it will be unpopular with the players, but has decided to make a big push anyway. Testing all major league players throughout the season will insure that the drugs stop proliferating and that abusers will be stopped and treated. Ueberroth went public with his plan last week, calling for the testing of all players by next year. The commissioner was accused of "grandstanding" for the publicity he generated about the plan, but Ueberroth knew the plan would be controversial. Baseball had to make a big PR move, if only for the reason that it wanted people to think something was being done about the problem. Something more than talk. And releasing the plan to the public forces the baseball union into (at the very least) negotiating some sort of plan. No doubt the tactics are a bit bold, but the problem demanded that a strong stand be taken. And we all know Ueberroth is not afraid to back away from controversy. The commisioner's style is rather flamboyant. He doesn't speak all that forcefully, but his words do. And he gets things done. The Major League Players Association has come out against the plan, saying it is unlawful. But Ueberroth is well aware of the risks and has said he is willing to make the program voluntary. This past week, Ueberroth sent letters to each of the 650 major league players asking them to submit to voluntary testing three times per season starting next year. While Ueberroth did bypass the baseball players' union in sending the letters, he is willing to involve the union in negotiating the specifics of such a program. Not surprisingly, the heads of the baseball union have downplayed the plan for various reasons, but basically they are just upset they weren't consulted before the plan was released to the public. A great many players have shown their support for the plan, realizing that it may be the only way baseball can clear its name. "We are looking for a way of showing fans that baseball is a clean sport," said Pittsburgh Pirate player representative Jim Morrison. Houston Astros catcher Alan Ashby has similar feelings. "I feel we should take the tests," he told USA Today. "All of us who are innocent are being found guilty by association to our sport. I see no reason to protect those who don't follow the law." vv to knocKAj Y v "It's bound to happen," said Chicago Cub representative Keith Moreland. "We all know baseball needs this." Baseball does need it. In most circumstances, a proposal such as this one would be uncalled for. But not this time. The problem is too big to wait around and hope it will go away. Drastic action has to be taken. Ueberroth is to be commended for taking the strong stand he did. We can only hope the players show the same caring for their sport. Peter Behle is a senior majoring in journalism and is for the editor-in-chi- Chronicle. YY YY ion-ri- cuff thePursuUofTriva. Icotm to 9ELCH0W 4 Mom ft 9vm Kt "frm Ittwt w "wgwiwwd OO. twt LM BOQMEft CraMfrfvg ktaiivw KMfwUS ef |