During the final moments of the movie "Marathon Man" there's a gripping confrontation between the villain and the hero. Our villain is a German war crimes criminal played by the illustrious actor Laurence Olivier and the hero is played by a young Dustin Hoffman. In this pivotal part to the plot our hero is strapped into a dentist's chair while undergoing questionning by the villain. The villain is about to use a drill into the hero's mouth, in particular into his molars. Whilst doing so he's asking the question "Is it safe .......is it safe? "

Olivier in the villainous role of Auguste Szell..... German war crimes criminal
Szell inflicts some pain on that of the young hero Babe Levy........played by Dustin Hoffman.
Well apparently not as word has just come down that the Mets' pitcher Guillermo Mota has just been suspended for 50 games for breaking the rules of the League's steroid policy. The suspension not only carries with it the 50 game suspension but also none payment of the player's salary while the punishment is enforced. What could've prompted Mota to break the rules is open to question but apparently players aren't prepared to abide by the rules laid down by the League. He now becomes another statistic in the League's ever present clampdown on steroid abuse. But this just goes to show that some players are still prepared to take the risk no matter how severe the punishment. It's certainly debatable as to what position will be taken by the Mets' management concerning this latest incident and what has been a somewhat disappointing season for the team.
Mets' pitcher Guillermo Mota ..........pictures courtesy of Yahoo/AP Images.....
Mota will no doubt accept the suspension and come back refreshed for next season but he may well have cost the team a lot more than he had bargained for by his actions. As they were seen as possible contenders from the National League for next season's pennant.
tophatal.......
all pictures appear courtesy of Yahoo/Images/movies....