Forgive the Big Mac?

Forgive the Big Mac?   By David Prekeges

As much as I love McDonalds, and as much as the Big Mac has added to my waistline, this article is about a different Big Mac - Mark McGwire.  McGwire will be the St. Louis Cardinal's  hitting coach this coming year, and for that reason, he decided to come clean on his steroid use during his playing days.  He has also asked for forgiveness for his wrongdoings.

So McGwire used steroids.  Yes, he cheated.  When asked, he refused to tell Congress this.  He would not have been as good had he followed the rules.  What about the other players that did follow the rules?  McGwire's high salary would not have been so high, but instead those dollars would have been distributed to other players.  So his cheating actually cost other players money.  And what about the young AAA player that didn't get a shot in the major leagues because cheating McGwire held that spot?  And what about the AA player that didn't get to AAA because of the domino affect started by McGwire?  McGwire just didn't affect himself - his cheating affected many, many lives.

So is a simple apology, admitting he cheated, enough?  I say no way.  You've affected a lot of lives Big Mac.  You are rich beyond any normal person's dreams because of your cheating.  And that money rightfully belongs to others whom you don't even know.  Give that money back.  All of it.  Donate it to a good cause - maybe drug abuse?  Give your time to help younger players (well, I'll give you credit - you're headed that way as a hitting coach).

So you want forgiveness?  I'm a forgiving person, and yes, I'll accept your apology.  But you have a lot more work to do to make your cheating right with this world.