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More On Giambi
Jason Giambi did face reporters yesterday and apologized. He wouldn't say for what. He was just sorry. In hindsight, meeting with reporters and trying to explain himself was too easy. His next meeting should be with a room full of eight-year olds - the same eight-year olds who tack his poster to their walls, and who hear the news and ask, "Did Jason Giambi take drugs? Did he cheat? Did he lie?" Major League Baseball is not suffering for resources. Neither is the U.S. Justice Department or New York City prosecutors. If they had any shame - because, apparently, Giambi has none - they would put their heads together and find a way to make Giambi go away. Far away. By Ed Moltzen · 11 February 2005
Comments
Sorry, I'll have to beg to differ on just this one. Giambi has multiple legal reasons why he cant get into specifics, not the least of which is grand jury testimony where its illegal to speak (despite what the Chronicle choose to leak). Why can't we just accept the courage of what he did yesterday...apologize before the most unforgiving media group, and most demanding fans, in the world? We can do the math. We all know what he is apologizing about. Why beat him up over semantics? Yankee fans have cheered those with checkered pasts who have found redemption: Steve Howe, Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. Let's not forget one of Mickey Mantle's last public appearances expressing regret for his past lifestyle (even in pinstripes). Did we condemn any of these guys? No. In fact, we gave them all (at least) a second chance. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption, especially someone caught in the crossfire of years of legal ambiguity about a subject that predates his career. I don't think there's any of us in this world who would not do what Giambi's doing right now--not saying anything that would jepordize his career, or life, and instead just focusing on rebuilding his life. Posted by: Roy at February 11, 2005 08:51 AMEveryone deserves a second chance, and everyone is capable of making mistakes - big mistakes. But not everyone deserves a $119 million contract (based on apparent cheating behavior), and not everyone deserves to play for the New York Yankees. If he used steroids, he broke the law. He did get "use" immunity for testifying before a grand jury. But that only means he can't be prosecuted for telling the truth, and his words can't be used against him. It doesn't mean he can't, or shouldn't, be investigated for the totality of his behavior. Enough of celebrities using carefully worded phrases to wiggle out of responsibility for awful conduct. It's Clintonian. I just think that if he wants to rebuild his life, he should start from scratch, forfeit his contract (that was based on his secret, illegal, cheating behavior) and make the team and earn a big contract the clean way. And, most important, own up. Posted by: Ed at February 11, 2005 09:04 AMCLINTONIAN?! And what Giambi should really do is apologize to RED SOX fans for stealing the 2003 ALCS. Posted by: JD at February 13, 2005 09:16 PMExcellent point, Ed. A renegotiated contract is the first fresh idea that's come out of the scandal!!!! Nobody would deny steroids need to be abolished with no exceptions...but this feeeding frenzy has gotten out of control. Who'se not against it??? Who is not for better education, or equal rights, as well? As long as we remember he's still human and deserves a second chance, setting a different price on his talents is a fair resolution. Put him on a one-year deal to prove himself. Posted by: Roy at February 14, 2005 02:57 PM |