Earlier today, former MLB slugger Mark McGwire came clean (sort of) about his past steroid use after years of speculation and denials. Yet the surprise wasn't in the admission itself, but in the fact that the 12-time All-Star fessed up at all.We are a forgiving society, especially of our athletic paragons, so the overall impact of this story will fade quickly. It seems that confession does cleanse the soul, as the Good Book says, although the extent of exactly how much performance-enhancing drugs amplified McGwire's statistics, and if he will ever be allowed a spot among the immortals in Cooperstown, is a debate for which a definitive forum could shed some light.
Additionally, if Barry Bonds -- whose career home run record has the biggest asterisk in all of sports -- would man-up and follow McGwire's example, perhaps fans and the sports media would be more willing to accept, forgive, and move on to the next controversy. But until that day comes, Hank Aaron will remain the all-time home run king.
Hammerin' Hank might've had over 2,000 more at-bats than Babe Ruth, but he didn't cheat. For those who are being honest, it's not even a question.
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