Street Talk for February 16, 2009

Street Talk

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Buzon
Marte
Boltz
Rifenbark
Gyateng
Rodriguez

Discussion

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February 18, 2009

Anonymous The Daily Star Wed Feb 18, 2009, 10:26 AM EST

Question of the week: Do you think Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez should be banned from being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame after having admitted to using steroids?

“Morally standing, yes I think it’s a bad choice. Comparatively though, I’m not quite sure. He’s not the only person who’s done this. I don’t really know who else has, but it’s out there. Morally, I think some people would have difficulty with it. I’m on the fence, I’m really not sure. I don’t think he should be given quite as many opportunities because there are other players out there that have been able to have successful careers without drugs.”

— James Buzon, student, Middleburgh

“I don’t think it would be fair to ban him from being inducted when his time comes. He said he stopped doing it in 2003, and around that time there wasn’t a lot of talk about it. I just think he messed up, he’s human, and now he’s trying to do the right thing. I mean, you can’t forget all that he has accomplished over something that many other players have done, but haven’t been as open about it.’’

— Monica Boltz, bartender, Oneonta

“I don’t watch baseball so I don’t really care. I feel like you shouldn’t use steroids. But it did get him where he is today; he probably wouldn’t have the same career.’’

— Alexis Gyateng, student, Santa Clarita, Calif.

“I think they should still consider him; these people are talented regardless of if they use steroids. Like with Michael Phelps right now, they suspended him, I think A-Rod should be suspended. Something that would have them learn their lesson. I don’t think they should end an entire career, because obviously these are very talented players”

— Ariana Marte, student, Bronx “I think they should let him in. I’m a Yankees fan and I think he’s a good player. As for punishment, maybe they should just try and get him some help instead.”

— Jody Rifenbark, unemployed, Oneonta

“He shouldn’t be allowed in the Hall of Fame. Any athlete in his position that uses performance-enhancing drugs is a bad example for our children. I have two sons who idolize him, and I feel he is setting a bad example. Any person who goes into professional baseball or any professional sports has to realize they are a role model. I think he shouldn’t be allowed to play baseball and I love the Yankees; it just sets the wrong example.’’

— Jason Rodriguez, retired veteran, Schoharie County