EXPRESSES CONCERN THAT DECISION IS FAR LATE IN OCCURRING

Washington, Mar 30, 2006 - "Although I commend Commissioner Selig for initiating this investigation into alleged steroid use, it is far too late in occurring," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "This investigation should have started years ago; I am deeply concerned with the appearance that Major League Baseball resists taking action to cleanup the sport until it is overwhelmed with demands for action. The new agreement on steroids between the league and players' union was a strong step in the right direction, but it was reached in response to legislation setting tougher testing and penalty standards."

Commissioner Selig announced today that former Senate majority leader George Mitchell is leading an investigation into alleged steroid use by Barry Bonds and other players. Stearns is the sponsor of H.R. 3084, the Drug Free Sports Act, establishing a single steroid testing standard for professional sports and setting penalties for steroid use leading up to a lifetime suspension for the third offense. The next step for H.R. 3084 is consideration on the House floor. Stearns sent a letter to Selig requesting information on his handling of allegations against Barry Bonds. Although Stearns had requested a response by today, he added an additional week for Selig to respond.

Concluded Stearns, "I think Commissioner Selig's credibility is under question due to his overall handling of the steroid issue, and I am concerned that he may be unable to deal effectively with steroid use in baseball."