Frank Robinson speaks out on steroids

VIERA, Fla. (AP) _ Washington Nationals manager Frank Robinson says steroids have created a cloud over baseball and the new penalties against steroid use are not strong enough. <br/><br/>The Hall of Fame

Friday, February 18th 2005, 2:49 pm

By: News On 6

VIERA, Fla. (AP) _ Washington Nationals manager Frank Robinson says steroids have created a cloud over baseball and the new penalties against steroid use are not strong enough.

The Hall of Fame slugger has been reluctant to comment on the steroid scandal. He made his most extensive comments to date on steroids before a Nationals spring training workout in Florida today.

Baseball's Number-five all-time home run hitter said many fans are willing to ignore steroid use because they enjoy all the home runs and the big explosion offensively. But, he says, the players that play the game do care.

Under new standards announced in January, players who test positive for steroids for the first time will be suspended for 10 days. It will require four positive tests to get a one-year ban. A fifth positive is subject to discipline determined by the commissioner.

Robinson just doesn't think that's strong enough.

For decades, Robinson's 586 home runs ranked fourth all-time before he was passed by Barry Bonds.