The Mitchell Report, or Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball, is the result of former United States Senator George J. Mitchell's investigation into the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone in Major League Baseball.
The 409-page Mitchell Report, released on December 13, 2007, covers the history of the use of illegal performance enhancing substances by players and the effectiveness of the MLB drug testing program. It also provides Senator Mitchell's recommendations regarding the handling of past illegal drug use and future prevention practices.
The Mitchell Report names eighty-nine Major League Baseball players who are alleged to have used steroids or drugs. George Mitchell, a former United States Senator and prosecutor, was appointed by Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig on March 30, 2006 to investigate the use of performance-enhancing drugs in MLB. Mitchell was appointed during a time of controversy over the book Game of Shadows, which chronicles alleged extensive use of performance-enhancing drugs, including several different types of steroids and growth hormone by Barry Bonds. Bud Selig decided to initiate the process of investigating the illegal use of steroids and performance enhancing drugs after reading Game of Shadows. The appointment was made after several influential members of the US Congress made negative comments about the effectiveness and honesty of MLB anti-performance enhancing drugs policies.
CHART NOTES: Listed below in alphabetical order are ALL the players named in the Mitchell Report and how it links them to performance-enhancing substances:
"The players and the owners must take the Mitchell Report seriously. I'm confident they will. My hope is that this report is a part of putting the steroid era of baseball behind us." - Bush, George. President of the United States. Rose Garden Press Conference. 14 December 2007.
A breakdown of active (played in 2007) versus inactive players — at the time of the respective release dates for each of these reports: BALCO Report [9 players named / 3 were active], Radomski Report [62 players named / 23 were active] & Internet Pharmacies Report [16 players named, 8 were active].
Mitchell Report | Report Summary |
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PLEASE feel free to download the entire Mitchell Report (Windows: Right click either computer up above, choose Save Target As, then click Save. Mac: Right click either computer above then choose Download Linked File), read it carefully and make your own informed decisions.
Much of the "evidence" could certainly be considered highly debateable, yet the Mitchell Report itself is very well sourced and nicely cross referenced. Do you believe each of the players is guilty due to their inclusion? Should they be banned from the game? Tell us your opinion on Baseball Fever today.