I guess hating cheaters is reserved for players from the 1990s. Not Bartolo Colon.
So what is it that makes Colon, once suspended 50 games for a positive drug test, such a big hit with fans?
“I think it’s the total package. I think it’s a combination of his age, his size, his unflappability, the fact that his teammates love him,” Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen said. “He’s somebody who every fan can relate to.
“He’s different. He’s a one-off and that’s what makes him special. There’s never been anybody like him,” Cohen added, noting “the incredible air of nonchalance” the pitcher occasionally displays even during big league games.
Of course, Barry Bonds is loved this way in San Francisco. Andy Pettitte doesn’t get much flak about his HGH use. Maybe fans and sports writers aren’t as concerned about the cheating as they are about the personality of the player. So if you’re going to use PEDs, make sure you have a reputation as a nice guy.
Too many were too lax for too long for me to get upset. I’m fine with all up through Biogenisis. Now, get caught twice and it’s no HoF. So Alex, Roger and Barry all go in. But I do prefer a clean game.
My anger is directed to things like child cancer. Perspective
Also, we are taught from a young age to forgive. It’s part of who we are. It’s probably ingrained in us. (Not that we forgive everybody but we are prone to.)
This doesn’t always work. Didn’t everyone love Sammy Sosa?