McGwire boosts his hits

Baseball slugger Mark McGwire decided to give himself a little boost in his infamous chase for the 61-home run record set by Roger Maris of the New York Yankees in 1961.

This "boost," a dietary supplement called Andro-stenedione, is banned by the NCAA, the NFL, and the International Olympic Committee. Its manufacturers claim it will heighten testosterone levels.

Last Monday Paul Wiggins, offensive tackle of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was suspended from four games for using the substance.

However, Andro-stenedione is legal in the United States and there is no rule against its usage in Major League Baseball.

McGwire was thrown out of last Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves by the home umpire in the first inning. He admitted in a press conference after the game that he was ejected for "saying things that you cannot say on TV" to the umpire.

This behavior could not be related to the "dietary supplement," could it?

There is a reason, however, why so many organizations have banned players from taking the supplement. While McGwire is at bat, he may want to consider the possible adverse effects to his health and more importantly, the fact that as a role model, he may be sending a get-ahead-quick message to children.

Should McGwire break the home-run record, perhaps statisticians will put an asterisk next to his name for taking this questionable substance.