Mel,

Even if the K-Kids have a feeling, it would still be more than difficult to get a confirmation from their dad.

One thing I will say about Clemens, whether or not he took steroids, he did the work involved to keep himself pitching. And he did it at a pace that younger players found grueling. I guess at least he would have that to say to his sons. I made a mistake, but I always worked hard. That’s why, I hope if he did use, it was a brief encounter. Again, my naivete comes out.

Doreen, if you had a blog, I’d read it.

If Roger did it, and basically any player, how does he look his Kooky K Kids in the eyes? His own son is a ball player.

Although, kids are smarter than we give them credit for. Kids know if the parents are alcoholics or drug users. (not talking from personal experience, but you know what I mean.)

You are exactly right. Build ‘em up to knock ‘em down, but happy to build ‘em back up if they come crying on their knees.

I always like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Heck, I even have a straw of a thought in my head that goes, “but what IF Bonds DIDN’T use?” (Crazy and naive, I know.) Many times, I’ve been wrong. But I’d rather be wrong thinking the best of people than absolutely positive that mankind is rotten to the core. (I’ve got “cusp” people, too )

Sigh. Britney. Sigh. I don’t see where this ends for her, do you?

I don’t know if Clemens used. If he did, and he’s now lying, he stands to be the most villified sports hero in history — even more than Pete Rose, I believe. However, in this case, I don’t know that telling the truth would help him (if the truth is that he took steroids or HGH). These people are out for blood and out to make an example. There would be NO Hall of Fame for Roger, even if he cried a river of tears; even if he apologized from now until his dying day; and I’m not sure that would be wrong. Because kids have looked up to him and tried to model themselves after him.

The only way out, I guess, if he did it and wants to tell the truth, is if it was a “limited trial,” so to speak, much like Pettitte’s confession. In Roger’s case, “I was desperate; my mother was dying and I wanted her to leave happy; I made a poor decision, but I realized it almost immediately and put a stop to it; I have since privately advised many younger players not to get involved with that stuff.” THAT might work.