A five-point plan to get rid of PEDs

The Daily News has put together their five steps to finally rid the game of PED's. It's a pretty bold set of essays.

1. STEP ONE: Replacing the Commish
   

   He should have quit, or been fired, after the steroid tests of 2003 and then after the Mitchell Report was released in December of 2007. Yet each time, he hung on and signed another lucrative extension.
   
   "The explosion in the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs occurred under Selig's 15-year tenure," said Rep. Cliff Stearns the Republican from Florida, after the Mitchell Report was made public in 2007. "I have found commissioner Selig's glacial response to this growing stain on baseball unacceptable and I have called on him to step down. This three-year extension of Selig's contract is a vote of confidence in his record, which includes taking minimal steps in ridding baseball of these drugs."
   

2. STEP TWO: Replacing the Union chief
   

   As always with Fehr, you walked away shaking your head, accustomed to his condescension yet amazed that he still doesn't get it. You'd think he'd be somewhat humbled by the shame brought upon baseball by steroids in recent years - especially since the players association is the most culpable of all parties involved - yet Fehr remains as arrogant as ever.
   
   

3. STEP THREE: Name the names
   

   So tell us everything now. Even if you're not on that list and you got away with cheating, 'fess up and you'll be granted immunity in what will be baseball's version of the gun law - turn in your syringe and there are no charges. Sure, your endorsements might take a hit, but your conscience will be clear. In America, the land of second chances, you might receive some scorn, but there will be plenty of fans eager to forgive and return to worshipfulness. Just ask Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte.
   
   

4. STEP FOUR: Tougher Testing
   

   First, let's quit denying that money is at the root of this issue. It stands to reason that as the average salary ballooned by about 700% in the two decades following 1985, players faced new pressures. The stakes were so much higher; adding five miles per hour to a fastball or overcoming tendonitis quickly was worth a fortune.
   
   

5. STEP FIVE: Zero tolerance
   

   "Ban 'em for the whole year," Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said last month.
   
   While Ortiz's suggestion is a good start, MLB needs to be tougher than its ever been before. Here's what the new punishments should be: a first offense gets you a year ban; a second offense gets you banned for life. No exceptions.
   
   

This is a major read. Take the time to do so. Whether you agree or not with their stances, it's certainly thought provoking.