Bored With Bonds? A-Rod’s Positive Steroid Test Will Change the Subject

Most Americans, I suspect, couldn’t be less interested in the renewed Barry Bonds saga. We have proven over and over that we really don’t give a burp about steroids; the only piquant intrigue came because everyone (but Giants fans) hates Bonds, hates Roger Clemens, thinks poorly of Mark McGuire’s character, and loves to laugh hysterically at hysterical Jose Canseco. Almost no one is mad about steroids: we don’t like these players, and seeing them busted for the juice makes us feel better about our pre-established dislike.
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↵As such, this news (reported by Sports Illustrated) that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003 -- yeah, America will get on board with this public stoning.
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↵Whether it’s cash, perceived effeteness, the so-called lack of clutchness, his road beef or his air of excellence, people don’t like A-Rod. As Bonds learned early this decade, you don’t want to give them extra ammunition -- we don’t need it to make fun of Rodriguez. The steroids report opens up the floodgates; the only saving grace is that we’re still seven weeks from opening night, plenty of time for damage control or (more likely) forgetfulness. I imagine Boston fans will remember come April, and no amount of spin or denial will be believed by anyone. But obviously, it’s much better that it comes out now than in, say, August.
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↵But before we get to the story as tired and old, we have to get through the fire. And (if the Bonds, Clemens and McGuire examples hold form) the sports world is about to explode in flames.↵