Congress to subpoena Sosa, McGwire, others
Seven current and former major leaguers will be subpoenaed by a congressional committee to testify about steroids. Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Jason Giambi (see my conspiracy theory on the A's), Curt Schilling, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, and Frank Thomas will all be called to testify about steroids in front of the House Government Reform Committee.
At first I didn't see the importance in this, but after listening to a lawyer on the Mike & Mike show this morning (the quality guests are the only reason to listen) it seems like a much bigger deal. The players can't refuse to show up and if they plead the Fifth, they'll give them immunity so that doesn't apply anymore. In other words, they'll be forced to testify and tell the truth or else face contempt charges.
Posted in Current Affairs & Sports | 4 Comments | Add yours
Comments
2 Matt said...
I do not agree, I beleive we would be talking about steroids even without Bonds. However, the whole world is talking about it because of Bonds. Being a baseball fan, Bonds is only another black eye to the sport. Regarding pleading the 5th, I heard/read somewhere that mose of them were declining the invitation. What power does congress have? Except to revoke MLB's antitrust exemption.
Posted on March 09, 2005 at 08:17 PM
3 Brian said...
If they don't accept the invite, they'll be subpoenaed. If they're subpoenaed they have to appear or be held in contempt, if they appear they can plead the 5th, if they plead the 5th they'll be granted immunity, if they have immunity the 5th Amendment no longer applies.
Posted on March 09, 2005 at 09:41 PM
4 actionBERG said...
I think that the only reason the steriod is still so huge is because Barry Bonds is chasing the home run record. If he wasn't, I do not think there would still be this much focus on the issue.
I heard this morning on the radio that subpoenaes have been issued to all that are involved. It was said that some were friendly and some were not so friendly. The spokesperson for the house committee also said that there were currently no plans for issuing immunity. He actually stated that the people involved would not want to plead the 5th because it would make them look bad. I doubt that will be the case.
Posted on March 10, 2005 at 10:58 AM
1 actionBERG said...
Seems pretty idiotic that they are not including Barry Bonds in the discussion. Barry is one of the main reasons we are still talking about steriods.
Posted on March 09, 2005 at 10:12 AM