American Statesman: McGwire should put money where his mouth is

Mark McGwire received a standing ovation from a group of St. Louis Cardinals fans in his first public appearance this week.

Yes! Big Red is back! The man who broke one of the most beloved records in professional sports is ready to step back into the spotlight and help the local team hit the ball better.

McGwire is feeling better about himself these days. He has removed the weight of shame off his chest after years of denying he ever used performance-enhancing drugs. It only took an hour with baseball broadcasting dean Bob Costas to rid himself of the guilt and the shame that’s dogged him since he retired.

Now he can get back to working in the game he loves so much. Even commissioner Bud Selig passed along his well wishes. “This statement of contrition, I believe, will make Mark’s re-entry into the game much smoother and easier,’’ he said in a statement.

So that’s it? Admit to lying, receive a standing O, get a pat on the back from the commish, then report to spring training to work for Tony La Russa, a guy with a law degree who isn’t smart enough to realize that his first baseman’s production in his 30s had morphed nearly as fast as his physique?

Sorry, but I can’t let it go that easily.