First let me start by saying, that I have used steroids. No, I'm not big and strong like the Jose Cansecos of the world, but by doctors order, I have used a steroid. It wasn't unfortunately a performance-enhancing one, however. It was to help reduce inflamation in my neck and shoulder area where I have two herniated disks. Yes, I know it's amazing that I can even type, but I have to be honest. I have to come out and tell the truth.

I also have got to take a brief moment away from my beloved Sox to discuss a major baseball issue: lying. Whether it be a little white one or monumental, I hate the lie.

This whole steroid ordeal is disgusting and makes me angry. And you don't want to make me angry.

I was a huge Rafael Palmeiro supporter long before he sat in front of a microphone and vehemently denied any use of steroids at any time during his career in front of a congressional sub-committee.

Millions of fans watched as he sat there next to Jose Canseco (amitted user), Jason Giambi (admitted user), Mark McGwire (suspect), Sammy Sosa (very suspect) and Curt Schilling (advocate against steroid use) pointing his finger and saying, "I have never used steroids. Period." The Baltimore Sun has published Palmeiro's testimony.

But my reason for support was a little different. He is the first Cuban-born player to have 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. No matter how long his career was, he deserved to go into the Hall of Fame. In Cuba, baseball is arguably more popular than in the states. I thought it would be a huge deal to induct an upstanding Cuban national to the Hall. I also thought it would do wonders for those countrymen as well as open the door to new talent when the sanctions are eventually lifted.

But now, now things look bleak. To quote William Shakespeare, "dost protest too much." I find it difficult to believe that Palmeiro didn't know about the steroid use in this day and age, when testing is a reality. He had to know that he undoubtedly would be tested. If for no other reason, so Major League Baseball could save face. However, it would also appear that he was found with a major steroid in his system.

But even more troubling than Palmeiro, is the way Major League Baseball handled this case.

In a Cincinatti Post article, Don Fehr, baseball union chief, says, "All players are treated equally, even potential members of the Hall of Fame."

But this is simply not true. The steroid detection may have been as far back as two months ago. Long before his 3,000th hit, the All Star Game and Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Yet, for some unknown reason Palmeiro received preferential treatment. In fact, he was able to appeal his suspension. None of the other six suspended players were able to question MLB's authority (to my knowledge).

This hypocrisy is going to destroy baseball. It doesn't just exist in the players denial, but in the "protection" by the union and Bud Selig's office as well. Lies, lies and more lies.

The Orange County Register writes "We aren't believing anything this game claims anymore, unless we hear it firsthand from the baseball itself."

Rest assured O.C., some things don't lie. The Chicago Sun Times' Jay Mariotti says the numbers don't lie. I've actually never looked at Palmeiro's career in such retrospect and its convincing.

Now the greats of the game look even bigger to me. I can't imagine what numbers the Babe, Williams and Yaz could have put up in the Steroid Era.

The Akron Beacon Journal asked "Who will believe Palmeiro?" Well, Baltimore Suns' Peter Schmuck

Lethal indeed, at the very least it's killing his legacy.

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