Mitchell Report: Okay, Now What?

by Geoff Young on December 14th, 2007

As I continue to wade through the report and digest the large number of names contained therein, a few questions come to mind:

How surprised is anyone by the magnitude of this?
How surprised should we be?
Should players and others be held accountable for their actions?
If yes, how forthcoming will athletes be in the future?
If no, what is the incentive for not trying to cheat the system?
Why do we, as fans, continue to support these people and provide them — through our purchase of tickets, merchandise, and the like — with the means to perpetuate their actions?
How will future generations view the current era?
Should individual records and awards be stripped?
What about team accomplishments? The IOC is considering sanctions against Marion Jones’ relay teammates because they earned their medals while working with Jones. Should MLB do the same?
If we are to damn an entire era and those who are a product of its environment, should we do the same with other eras, e.g., anyone who played before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier?
What confidence do we have that the list of names provided in the report is accurate and complete?
If it’s not complete, and there are others, how does MLB pursue and possibly reprimand them?
How culpable are the owners? The players union? MLB?
Can anything really be done to improve the situation beyond superficial actions that make it appear as though something is being done?

There are others, but I’ll stop here. This really, really, really, really stinks…

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