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We're Gonna Pump (*Clap*) You Up

So politicians expressed moral outrage, Frank Thomas demonstrated the wonders of technology, Mark McGwire cried then pleaded the Fifth, Jose Canseco plugged his book, and League officials got all huffily defensive. Everyone was very careful to express sympathy for the parents of the teenage victims of steroid use, but whether anything will be accomplished that will actually prevent future tragedies remains to be seen.

There will be an outcry for Federal standards on drug testing across all sports and at all levels of competition, professional and amateur. BALCO-like dealers will continue to create alternatives to the illegal drugs, and billions of dollars will be spent arguing over where to draw the line between legal "supplements" and illegal "enhancements." More kids will die, coaches and parents will be left unaccountable, and sales of Barry Bonds memoribilia will continue. There will be plenty of opportunity for further grandstanding debate.

But in the meantime, enjoy the March Madness.