WASHINGTON, Dec 7 (AFP) - United States Senator John McCain had a message for the Major League Baseball Players Association here Tuesday - toughen your anti-doping measures before US lawmakers do it for you.
The Arizona Republican said Sunday he would urge Congress to enact legislation mandating stricter drug tests and tougher punishments for violators following revelations about drug taking by stars Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi.
Major league commissioner Bud Selig backed McCain on Monday, saying he would welcome the help of lawmakers to create tougher standards that owners and union leaders failed to form in prior labor talks that were often contentious.
"I commend Commissioner Selig for his willingness to agree to a more stringent drug-testing program for Major League Baseball," McCain said in a statement.
Union leaders are meeting this week in Phoenix, the capital of McCain's home state, to discuss the doping issues.
While leaders have spoken of tougher measures, they have refused to assure a new deal will be in place next season as Selig desires. McCain warned that lawmakers could start considering imposing their own plan in January.
"I would strongly encourage the Players Association to join the commissioner in recognizing the seriousness of this matter and agree to this remedy within the next few weeks," McCain said.
12/07/2004 17:03 GMT - AFP