Brian McNamee is now a writer on a web site that includes the name "Sports Improper". In his article dated February 21 2009 he rips Joe Torre's leadership abilities and questions his motives for releasing the book when he did. 

He cites an example where A-Rod wanted a personal assistant and Torre refused telling A-Rod, "If I let you get an assistant, then Derek will want one, and then someone else. Where will it end? So, get your own coffee." Yet he goes on to say Torre had 2 different assistants of his own - one to get his his vitamins and the other to answer his mail and get his tea. He concludes that "if you're his manager, and he wants an assistant, you give it to him. Especially if you have two yourself."

Whether Brian is right or wrong regarding Torre's leadership and motivations behind the book is a separate issue. Its the faulty logic he uses that is troubling.

As much as players may not like it, there is a difference between the manager having assistants and the players having them. If everyone, including leadership were treated on the same level then having a manager would be meaningless. There has to be a difference in status! I also find it hypocritical for McNamee to question Torre's leadership abilities by using himself as an example, saying "A leader?  Well, I like to believe a good leader always leads by example. As a strength and conditioning coach I always did the work with the players, I never just instructed them on what to do. I showed them, did it with them, and I did it with them better. Do as I say, do as I do."

Is it a good example of leadership agreeing to inject a player with steroids - just because the player wants it? I think not.