Calls on Major League Baseball and Players Association To Cease The Usage

Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) is urging Major League Baseball and the Players Association to join together and prevent players and coaches from using smokeless tobacco while in uniform and in full view of cameras and fans. Currently they are unable to smoke cigarettes or cigars, but smokeless tobacco is permitted. To view Rep. Engel’s statement and questions, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d16Xg8J5LA

The 11-term Congressman said that as a lifelong baseball fan he would like to see the league and its players take a leadership role in halting this practice. “They may not want to be, but ballplayers are role models to many children. If they would take this step it would be a great leap forward towards promoting healthy behavior among the youth of America, and would not impact the integrity of the game one bit. It is win-win for everyone involved.”

A full text of Rep. Engel’s statement to the committee follows.

“Mr. Chairman,

“Thank you for having this important hearing today to examine the prevalence and use of smokeless tobacco products, the health effects from use of these products, and the correlation between smokeless tobacco use by youth and major league baseball players.

“I want to welcome our wonderful witnesses today, and personally thank Joe Garagiola for being not just an outstanding former baseball player, but a wonderful advocate for our youth and public health. Thank you for being here.

“It is fitting that we hold this hearing in April, as our nation has once again embraced the start of the baseball season.

“As a lifelong baseball fan—particularly for my beloved Mets—I know how much joy the game can bring for so many families, including my own three children. I can’t even count how many games I’ve brought them too.

“And these players rightly or wrongly are someone kids are fascinated with-for their athleticism and accomplishments for being the best of the best in baseball. Kids are like sponges-soaking up everything around them. And whether or not it seems subtle, they pick up on one of the more unfortunate aspects of baseball—which is the prevalent use of smokeless tobacco.

“Today, we have reports that up to 1/3 of major league players report using this highly addictive drug. And there are serious consequences associated with this use. Smokeless tobacco puts people at risk for oral cancer, gum disease, heart attacks, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It also causes leukoplakia, a disease of the mouth characterized by white patches and oral lesions. Up to 78% of spit tobacco users have serious oral lesions

“There is no question this is a serious issue and I want to commend Major League Baseball for trying to proactively help our players, and in turn the kids that look up to them through their efforts. The 1993 Minor League Tobacco Policy has banned the use and possession of all tobacco products by club personnel, and players in Minor League ballparks and during team travel. Violations of this policy result in players and field managers being subject to game ejection and substantial monetary fines.

“MLB established the National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) to curb the use of smokeless tobacco products through public service announcements featuring popular players. NSTEP also offers numerous education and treatment options for players to curb their personal use of smoking and smokeless tobacco products.

“But there is a major gap in MLB. While personnel are barred from smoking in uniform within view of spectators, they can still chew tobacco. MLB has said that this policy is one that the Players association has sought to protect in collective bargaining. I am concerned that the Players association continues to contend in their written testimony today that baseball players should not be prohibited from using substances that are legal and available to the general public. Mr. Prouty has even said that it is impossible for most fans to even tell if players are using smokeless tobacco while playing baseball or in the dugout.

“I have to say, I’m disappointed in this response. There have been well documented instances of players on TV being clearly shown to be using smokeless tobacco-in fact in one World Series game in 2004, at least nine minutes of such footage was shown. So, kids do see it.

“And secondly, while smokeless tobacco may be legal, there is a difference between players who want to use it in the privacy of their own homes, and when they are on TV being paid very generous salaries to provide entertainment to millions of families each night. Every work place has rules about what their employees can and cannot do—such as a matter of respect for the “institution of Congress, members wear suits and ties or other appropriate attire when on the floor of the House.

“It therefore seems quite fair and reasonable that players abstain from using smokeless tobacco on the field. I urge the players association to continue to consider these facts.”