Contact: Mary Elizabeth Elliott, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, 703-706-0560 ext. 247

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 /Standard Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by General Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), regarding the report of an independent investigation to the Commissioner of Baseball examining the illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing substances by Major League Baseball players.

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) represents over 5,000 grassroots coalitions dedicated to preventing underage drinking and other illegal drug use among youth. On behalf of our members, we strongly support the increase of preventive and educational measures, coupled with serious consequences, to best address illegal drug use in all professional athletics.

Former Senator George Mitchell's report, released on December 13, details widespread use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball. The investigative report was commissioned by the League. It not only outlines a history of violations to current MLB policies, but also publicly identifies a number of specific players as steroid users. The list includes some of the league's biggest past and present stars, and casts a shadow over their impressive careers.

The report also outlines a number of specific recommendations to prevent the illegal use of performance enhancing substances in the future. They include: the establishment of a Department of Investigations within the Commissioner's Office, educational programs that stress the health risks of steroid use and alternative methods to achieve the same results, and year-round, unannounced drug testing of athletes and clubhouse personnel.

Professional athletes are often viewed as heroic figures to young people. Condoning or ignoring the illegal use of steroids among Major League Baseball players sends a dangerous message to millions of young fans. Young people could be led to believe that if professional athletes use these substances to be successful, they must be relatively harmless, and perhaps even necessary in order to win.

All athletes feel the pressure of competition - and reports find that some middle and high school athletes are turning to steroid use in an effort to boost performance. Statistics show that when social disapproval of drugs is strengthened, youth drug use declines. Our young people need to see that adult athletes are facing real consequences for their illegal steroid use. A comprehensive response to this report will, in turn, help community anti-drug coalitions and the parents, school officials, and coaches we support, in deterring steroid use among student athletes.

Major League Baseball has already taken a bold and proactive step by commissioning this report and making it transparent. Now, CADCA hopes the League and the Major League Baseball Players Association will review these recommendations carefully and take the steps necessary to jointly improve the current drug program. Fair play and integrity should be the hallmarks of a sport that continues beloved by young people and families alike as America's favorite pastime.

CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America), is the national membership organization representing coalitions working to make America's communities safe, healthy and drug-free. CADCA's mission is to build and strengthen the capacity of community coalitions by providing technical assistance and training, public policy advocacy, media strategies and marketing programs, conferences, and special events. For more information about CADCA, visit www.cadca.org.