If there are people who are happy on the confession of Mark McGwire, it would be those who have launched anti-doping campaigns specifically against steroids. Although there are some critics saying that the decision of McGwire is too late since the admission came after almost a decade. The first to welcome the action of the baseball legend is the founder of the Efrain Anthony Marrero Foundation. Frank Marrero formed the foundation in memory of his 19 year old son who committed suicide because of steroids. In an interview with Mercury News, Marrero said that Mark McGwire should do more. “It’s good that he did come forward and admit it, but he needs to go further and join forces with foundations like ours to warn young people a the dangers of steroid use,” he said.

Frank together with his wife was present during the congressional inquiry where McGwire told them that he doesn’t want to talk about the past. For them, McGwire is not telling the truth and they know that the baseball player is using steroids. “We knew he had used steroids and we were there in Washington where it was evident he felt guilty and didn’t want to say it,” he added.

Efrain committed suicide in September 2004 after his parents told him to stop taking steroids. Frank Marrero did not know that quitting outright could lead to depression and suicide. The foundation is focused on sharing of information with youths and parents about the effects of steroids. He hopes that McGwire can also help in their crusade by sending a positive message to the youth. “We all make mistakes. But we can correct it, and Mark could help bring that message,” he said.

Don Hooton also appreciated McGwire’s decision. Hooton also established a foundation in memory of his son who also died because of steroids use. He was also present during the congressional hearing about steroid use in Major League Baseball. “When we were there, as a family, we were still in such tremendous pain. When he would say he didn’t want to talk about it, it was disappointing and painful,” recalled Don. “So to know that he recognized that and that we’ve been on his mind, is good to know,” he said. For Don Hooton, McGwire can’t be a good spokesman on steroids. “Who better to describe what it’s like to go to the mountain top and now to be at the depths of the deepest valley for a mistake you made several years ago?” he added.

Another steroid crusader, Dick Butkus immediately issued a statement regarding the admission of McGwire. Butkus is a professional football Hall of Famer. He founded the “I Play Clean” campaign which is educating the youth on the use of performance enhancing drugs. “Mark McGwire’s admission of taking illegal steroids was disappointing. But even more disappointing was the assertion that the steroid era is behind us, now that several of baseball’s biggest names have come clean. That’s like believing your home doesn’t have termites because you swept a couple off the front porch,” he said in the press release.

Butkus believes that the steroid problem will still continue unless the authorities recognize it as a serious problem. According to Butkus the latest statistics indicated a half-million teens admit to experimenting with steroids. He also pointed out that another survey said that 85 percent of teens had never received formal education about steroids. “Ending the steroids era will require everyone working together to help our next generation of athletes choose to Play Clean, using their natural talent along with training hard, eating well and playing with attitude,” said the Hall of Famer.

He also encourage people to join his crusade by taking the I Play Clean pledge and visiting his website www.iplayclean.org. “A few years ago, my son Matt and I began a grassroots educational campaign called I Play Clean™. I am humbled by the thousands of former players, current players, coaches, parents, teachers, fans and companies who are stepping up to carry the I Play Clean message to teens. Specifically, I ask everyone connected to teens and sports to take the I Play Clean pledge at www.iplayclean.org and to use the educational materials you’ll find there,” Butkus said. Becoming part of the organization will help protect teens from the dangers of steroids and at the same time helping shape the future of organized sports.

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