The Commishes Before Congress

Bud Selig, David Stern, Gary Bettman, Roger Goodell and their union counterparts were all dragged in front of Congress yesterday. A Congress which is now considering imposing standardized drug testing and punishment on the sports leagues. Here's a fun exchange:

Congressman Barton: Let's get it right this time . . . Let's go ahead and get something into law that is acceptable . . . It's no fun having this hearing every two to three years.

David Stern: The sports leagues have gotten it right in the intervening three years . . . This is an area where federal legislation is not necessary.

Barton: Mr. Stern, I would suggest that we have not gotten it right enough. If we had gotten it right -- if you all had gotten it right -- we would not be here again today.

Stern: No, Congressmen. We wouldn't be here if the stupid and naive gentleman to my left [points at Selig] hadn't decided to create a misguided investigation that would dredge up years-old allegations and present them as current, thereby stoking the flames of negative public opinion.

OK, that last one may have occurred in thought bubbles only, but it was probably the most accurate thing said all day.