Cannon Firing Line
Rush Judgment
By Ellis Cannon
PSR Publisher

It was not unexpected there was so much fuss with last month's unveiling of the Mitchell Report. Every network seemed to have wall to wall coverage; just about everyone had an opinion on what was contained in the much-ballyhooed investigation.

That includes many of you, who had reactions ranging from boredom to rage to even more questions. For sure, that part about the questions.

Indeed, there was much emotion related to what Senator Mitchell dug up, largely courtesy of other federal investigations. Even if we have seemingly discussed the topic, if not investigation, for much longer than the twenty months he spent with it, the reaction was significant.

Many believed the investigation simply confirmed what we "knew," what with our instant media and need for immediate gratification. Indeed, we should add "immediate judgment" considering how we have become willing to suspend even the hint of deliberation, let alone due process, when simple leaks from federal investigators will do.

Or when the myriad television and radio shows have apparently offered us enough information upon which to make concrete decisions, even if the consequences from them far outweigh the quality of "evidence" upon which they are made.

In the days following the investigation's release, many players stepped forward with admissions and explanations for their usage. One similar to Andy Pettite's seemed to carry the day.

For Roger Clemens, that tact was not going to work, because; (1) he had the most to lose; (2) he considered the best defense an over-the-top offense even if it involved the big lie; or (3) he had been wronged. Of course, after becoming experts via the eyeball test over the years, witnessing outstanding production relative to his age, speculation and/or innuendo, the latter scenario was out of the question for most observers.

As was the idea Clemens did not strike back even more firmly, such as with the filing of litigation. Of course, even if he had, there would have been criticism of that also, so who knows how much value that really would have produced. It begged someone reminding us failure to take such action was not necessarily an indictment of him.

All this just to save face in the court of public opinion.

Regardless of whether it's Clemens, who could stand to lose immortality based on potentially questionable evidence, or a forgettable reserve player, we should expect and demand more. Certainly from players, where appropriate. But also media, seemingly more interested in entertainment on just about any topic rather than journalism based on the merits, much to the detriment of all of us. And ourselves.

Really, how about some free thought? Are we so busy and distracted that most topics receive only a cursory perusal before we make in-stone judgments?

Because, if so, why do we even waste the time and money of having investigations?

Ellis Cannon's SportsLine Pittsburgh" airs weeknights, 6-8 p.m., on FM NewsTalk 104.7. Ellis is also a regular contributor on the "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown" aired Sundays at 11:35 on KDKA-TV.