REPORT OUTLINES NEED FOR NEW LEADERSHIP AFTER ERA OF RAMPANT STEROID ABUSE

Washington, Dec 13, 2007 - "It is stunning that the use of steroids and other performance enhancing substances, which is a federal crime, has been rampant in Major League Baseball (MLB). As the Report states, 'For more than a decade there has been widespread illegal use of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances by players in Major League Baseball, in violation of federal law and baseball policy.' Certainly, a lack of leadership and oversight in MLB enabled these abuses to continue. After 15 years of slow action, a new Commissioner is needed to guide the league out of this era of drug abuse."

"In addition, a review of MLB's anti-trust exemption, the only league with such an exemption, may be in order to ensure that all involved parties are committed to ending illegal drug use."

"I held the first congressional hearing on performance enhancing drugs in 2003, followed by a series of hearings on steroids. At one of my hearings, Don Hooton told us about his son, a high school athlete, taking his own life after abusing steroids. Not only is steroid use a crime, our young people look to athletes as role models, and sadly they see steroids as a shortcut to success."

"I applaud Chairman Rush for calling a hearing for January on the results of this report; Congress needs to evaluate the substance and recommendations of the report, as well as other necessary steps to get drugs out of MLB."