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CNN Live At Daybreak
Extraordinary Legal Maneuver in Case of Brain-Damaged Florida Woman; Professional Baseball Takes a Beating in Congress
Aired March 18, 2005 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Straight ahead on DAYBREAK, down to the wire -- an extraordinary legal maneuver in the life or death case of a brain damaged Florida woman.
Plus...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What are your regrets, if any?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Getting caught.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not doing them in the first place?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Getting caught, telling the truth.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A season sacrificed and a town torn over steroids in high school sports.
And you and your pet -- would you be willing to go to court to sue your veterinarian? We'll talk with an attorney about one such case.
It's Friday, March 18.
You are watching DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
Now in the news, it is being called an extraordinary Congressional maneuver. A U.S. House committee plans to issue a subpoena today that would effectively prevent the removal of a feeding tube for a Florida brain damaged woman. It's an 11th hour attempt and comes after a Supreme Court ruling turning down an appeal by Terri Schiavo's parents.
President Bush hits the road today, hoping to build support for his plans to reform Social Security. He'll be in Pensacola and Orlando. Next week, he'll push for reform in three Western states.
Wal-Mart will pay $11 million to settle claims from a long running federal investigation of illegal workers hired as cleaning contractors. The settlement means the company will not face criminal charges.
And you might not recognize the name, but George Kennan was a key architect of U.S. policy dealing with the Soviet Union after World War 2. Kennan died last night at the age of 101.
To the forecast center now and Chad -- good morning.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: A surprise development this morning. Congress working late into the night to save the life of Terri Schiavo. Congress is intervening in this last ditch effort to save her life. A House committee says it will issue a subpoena today to stop doctors from removing the brain damaged woman's feeding tube. That's supposed to happen at 1:00 Eastern, in the afternoon, that is. It's not exactly -- it's not known exactly who will issue this subpoena. This maneuver comes after law makers in the House and Senate failed to pass legislation to keep Schiavo alive before they recessed for spring break.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BILL FRIST (R-TN), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: It is clear to me that Congress has a responsibility, since other aspects of government at the state level have failed to address this issue, that we do have a responsibility, given the uncertainties which I have outlined over the last few minutes. And remember, she has family members, her parents and brother, or son, a brother, who say they love her, they'll take care of her, they'll be responsible for her and they will support her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: In another development, the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal by Schiavo's parents to stop the removal of that feeding tube. They've been fighting Schiavo's husband on this issue for years.
And that brings us to our DAYBREAK E-Mail Question of the Morning. What do you think of this latest legal maneuver in the Schiavo case? Is it government interfering too much in the personal lives of others? Or do you think it's necessary?
Let us know what you think, daybreak@cnn.com. Daybreak@cnn.com.
Let's talk about Congress and baseball now.
Professional baseball took a bit of a beating in Congress. An all-star lineup of players and executives testified about steroid use. Former slugger Mark McGwire refused to say whether or not he ever used steroids. Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro flatly denied using them, as alleged by former player Jose Canseco, who was also in that Congressional hearing.
Baseball's commissioner promised under oath that the game has a new zero tolerance policy toward using the drugs. But not all committee members were buying it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS (R), CONNECTICUT: Why should someone have five strikes before they're out? I'd like to go right down the list. Why five strikes?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Congressman, let me begin by saying...
SHAYS: I'm going to have -- I'm not going to have you begin.
I'd like the commissioner.
Why five strikes, Commissioner?
BUD SELIG, COMMISSIONER, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Because that's the -- that's the negotiated policy right now, Congressman. That's the best we could do in collective bargaining. This is collective bargaining.
SHAYS: So it's the players' fault? SELIG: I didn't say it's the players' fault.
SHAYS: No, no, no, no. Because I want to know your position. Is your position one strike and you're out? SELIG: My -- no, it isn't mine. But the penalties would be much tougher if I had my way, as I did in the minor leagues.
SHAYS: But let's not blame the players, then, a second, and collective bargaining. SELIG: I'm not...
SHAYS: I want to know why -- SELIG: ... blaming the players...
SHAYS: I want to know why you need five strikes and you're out. SELIG: I would not...
SHAYS: I want to know why you can break the law once, break the law twice, break the law three times, break the law four times and then you're out. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Lawmakers at the hearing said a major area of concern for them is that steroid usage among professional athletes is imitated by college and even high school athletes.
We've introduced you to a family that faced a tragic consequence of the steroid use.
CNN's Ed Henry will tell us what Congress heard from an angry grieving father. (BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): All of the pre-game hype was about the big league ball players. But it was a grief-stricken father who stole the show.
DON HOOTEN, STEROIDS CAUSED SON'S SUICIDE: Players that are guilty of taking steroids are not only cheaters, you are cowards. You're afraid to step on the field to compete for your positions and play the game without the aid of substances. Not only that, you are cowards when it comes to facing your fans and our children.
HENRY: Tough talk. But if anyone has the right to say it, it's Don Hooten.
HOOTEN: Twenty short months ago, our youngest son Taylor took his own life. He was two weeks away from beginning his senior year in high school. He was carrying a 3.8 average, made excellent scores on his SAT tests and he and I were preparing to make college visits.
HENRY: Taylor was a right-handed pitcher with a nasty fast ball. He was already 175 pounds, but a coach urged him to bulk up, so he started secretly taking steroids and put on 30 pounds. He soon developed side effects, from acne to terrible mood swings. But the family missed all the warning signs. That still haunts the father, who is urging Congress to crack down on major league baseball.
HOOTEN: Let me implore you to take steps to clean up this mess. Please help us to see that our children's lives were not lost in vain. You have the power to do something about it.
HENRY: Testifying after the father, Mark McGwire broke down as he recalled hearing Don Hooten and other parents tell their tragic stories.
MARK MCGWIRE, FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE STAR: My heart goes out to every parent whose son or daughter were victims of steroid use. I hope that these hearings can prevent other families from suffering.
HENRY: Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro emphatically denied, under oath, ever using steroids. Despite being pressed on the matter, McGwire refused to answer.
MCGWIRE: I'm not here to discuss the past. I'm here to be positive about this.
HENRY: Evasions like that make Hooten furious.
HOOTEN: Show our kids that you're man enough to face authority, tell the truth, and face the consequences. Instead, you hide behind the skirts of your union. And with the help of management and your lawyers, you've made every effort to resist facing the public today. What message are you sending our sons and daughters? That you're above the law?
HENRY (on camera): Hooten says he's sick and tired of ball players saying they don't want to be considered role models and he wants other parents to join him in holding the athletes' feet to the fire.
Ed Henry, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: In the next hour of DAYBREAK, we're going to get the advice of a doctor who counsels high school students in the use of steroids. That's just ahead, at 6:00 Eastern, so stay with DAYBREAK.
In other "News Across America" this morning, there is a new inmate on San Quentin's death row. He is Scott Peterson. A prison spokesman tells us what happened when the convicted killer arrived.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. VERNELL CRITTENDON, SAN QUENTIN PRISON: Scott Peterson went in and immediately sat on the bunk, looking at the wall of the cell. He then, the officer said, "Well, Scott, I guess you want to plan to lay down and take a nap now."
Scott looked over at the officer from the seated position and said, "Man, I'm just too jazzed to even think about sleeping."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: We also understand that about three dozen women called the prison with messages for Peterson. Among them, two women who said they were interested in marrying the death row inmate.
A man working as a painter at David Letterman's ranch in Montana has been charged with plotting to kidnap Letterman's young son and nanny. Police say Kelly Frank planned to hold the entertainer's son and nanny for a $5 million ransom. Bail for Frank is set at $600,000.
A man sought as a so-called person of interest in the disappearance of 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford is in police custody. Authorities in Citrus County, Florida says John Evander Couey is cooperating with investigators. The little girl's mother told Larry King she doesn't believe Couey was response for her daughter's disappearance.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")
ANGELA BRYANT, MOTHER OF MISSING FLORIDA GIRL: In my heart, I don't feel that he really had anything to do with it. I know she's out there somewhere and it's very important that we find her. I keep hope and I keep her in my heart.
LARRY KING, HOST: So you feel that -- this is a gut feeling, right -- that John Couey was not involved and that she's still alive?
BRYANT: I feel that she's still alive and in my heart and in my gut I don't feel that this man really had anything to do with it. I'm praying that he didn't. But I'm just, it's better than no news at all. It's just important that we keep looking for her and keep finding her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Couey was picked up at a homeless shelter in Augusta, Georgia. He's due in court today and he could be extradited to Florida.
Here's what we're working on for you on DAYBREAK this Friday morning.
You might have to sell your car to afford to put gas in the tank. It's a catch-22 for your bottom line.
If you love your cats, your dog is like family, but how far would you be willing to go if you think they were treated badly by your veterinarian? Medical or veterinary malpractice -- we'll delve into that question just ahead.
And Robert Blake says he's going cowboying now that his murder trial is over. What exactly does that mean? Jeanne Moos wondered, too. And if anybody can figure it out, she can.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 5:14 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Congress is about to make a dramatic last ditch effort to keep Terri Schiavo alive. A House committee says it will issue a subpoena today to stop doctors from removing the brain damaged woman's feeding tube. A court has ordered the tube be removed eight hours from now.
Guilty -- rapper Lil' Kim has been convicted of lying to a federal grand jury to protect friends involved in a shootout outside a New York City radio station. She could get 20 years in prison.
In money news, gas prices hit a record high. AAA says the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular is now $2.055. And it's not even the peak summer driving season yet.
In culture, books or TV? A new study says college students watch an average of three hours, 41 minutes of TV each day, and it's interrupting time some could spend cramming for exams. You think? What's new about that?
In sports, No. 11 seed Alabama/Birmingham scores an upset in the NCAA tournament. UAB knocked off 6 seed Louisiana State 82-68 last night. It wasn't even close -- Chad. MYERS: It wasn't.
But how about the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee beating Alabama? That was another -- all of the upsets took place in Chicago yesterday. That was kind of odd. But everybody else, the brackets all worked out great.
Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Well, the Robert Blake murder trial may be finished, but CNN's Jeanne Moos is still mulling over some of the odd comments the former "Baretta" star made after his acquittal.
See what you make of subjects ranging from hummingbird spats to cowboying.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was like a cross between "Law and Order" and "Baretta."
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Robert Blake won't be doing the time. And when that sank in, his head sank to the table. He got so excited he had to pop some pills. He even fell off his chair.
Outside the courthouse, exhaling like a horse, his attorney kept trying to reign him in.
GERALD SCHWARZBACH, ATTORNEY: Should we go?
BLAKE: Have you got a date? I'm 71 years old. If they can find a place on my ass where there ain't a scar, they can put one.
MOOS: Like the character he used to play, he shot down one questioner.
BLAKE: What do you want, man?
MOOS: A reporter asked politely, "Who do you honestly believe killed your wife?"
BLAKE: Shut up.
MOOS: This was the world according to Robert Blake. He quoted everyone from Albert Einstein to Johnny Cochran.
BLAKE: You're innocent until proven broke.
MOOS: Blake used expressions so folksy they'd make Dan Rather envious.
BLAKE: I'm going to get a job. I'm broke. Right now, I couldn't buy spats for a hummingbird.
MOOS: We consulted a hummingbird expert, who said he'd never heard the expression, but suggested that hummingbirds have exceedingly small feet, so spats for them would be really, really cheap. "Baretta" may have walked, but hummingbirds can't. Their legs are so tiny they can just hover and perch. Anyway, "Baretta's" into parrots.
What's he going to do now that he's free?
BLAKE: I'm going to go out and do a little cowboying. Do you know what that is?
MOOS: Maybe you'd like to take a guess. Is Blake going to do a little A, cursing like a cowboy; B, drinking like a cowboy; or, C, rolling in the hay like a cowboy?
BLAKE: Cowboying is when you get in a motor home or a van and you just let the air blow in your hair and you wind up in some little bar in Arizona someplace.
MOOS: There was one final "Baretta"-ism that left the press puzzled.
BLAKE: Any of you guys on the cameras, any of you gaffers got a pair of dykes?
MOOS: Could it be that Blake is looking A, for cast members from the "L Word"; B, structures to contain the flow of his tears? It turns out dykes are wire cutters. Blake borrowed a tool and right then and there sliced off his electronic ankle bracelet.
A guy who used to put people in pretend cuffs, then found himself in real cuffs, now is holding up his electronic cuff while making off- the-cuff remarks.
Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart.
Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Wow!
When things go wrong at the vet -- just ahead, the surprising amount of people going to court over pain and suffering endured by their pets. Should you be able to sue even if your dog is a mutt? We'll have the answer ahead.
You are watching DAYBREAK for Friday, March 17.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Paul Wolfowitz, the man President Bush has picked to lead the World Bank, has turned to a rock star for advice. Wolfowitz actually called on Bono to discuss poverty and development issues. The lead singer of the rock group U2 campaigns extensively for African aid and debt relief, and could defuse some of the criticism of Wolfowitz.
Comedy Central's Jon Stewart has his own take on Bono.
Yes, it's time for some "Late Night Laughs."
Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART, COURTESY COMEDY CENTRAL)
JON STEWART, HOST: This week, Bono and his wife unveiled Edun, their new line of ethically produced clothing, made in Peru and Tunisia. Each pair of the company's jeans comes lined with a message: "We carry the story of the people who make our clothes around with us." Also, each pair of clothing comes with an embroidered request from those people.
Adams was also disinvited from the traditional Saint Patrick's Day ceremonies at the White House, meaning he missed the honor of watching President Bush receive a porcelain container of shamrocks from the Irish prime minister. From our country to yours, a bowl of weeds.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: I'm just trying to get over the picture in my mind of Paul Wolfowitz and Bono having a mano y mano conversation.
MYERS: Over a pair of jeans.
COSTELLO: Yes. With U2 music playing in the background. I don't know.
MYERS: Well, it is Irish, isn't it?
COSTELLO: All right, time for some DAYBREAK "Eye-Openers" now.
At first glance, this may look like any other gas station bathroom. But open the door and you will get quite a treat. The owner of this...
MYERS: Open the door!
COSTELLO: Open the door! There it goes. There it is.
MYERS: Ooh.
COSTELLO: The owner of this California Chevron station is keeping a spectacular restroom. It shows respect for his customers.
MYERS: What's up with that mirror? It looks all scratched. Get a new mirror. COSTELLO: He says this keeps customers coming back, even with gas prices really high now.
MYERS: Sure.
COSTELLO: Sure.
The world Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska include statues of animals, people and some free-form creations.
MYERS: Wow!
COSTELLO: Chainsaws, blowtorches, warm water and a variety of power tools transformed the blocks of ice into this wonderful art.
MYERS: I like the giraffe.
COSTELLO: Pretty cool.
The statues will be on display until the end of the month, or until they at -- if they last that long. Of course, that depends on the weather, Chad.
MYERS: Right. It's been cool enough, so...
COSTELLO: Good.
That's good.
And the search for the holy grail has hit the Great White Way. "Spamalot" opened to a packed house on Broadway last night. The musical comedy says it "lovingly ripped off the 1975 hit movie, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'"
Mike Nichols is directing the spoof. Tim Curry, Eric Idle and David Hyde Pierce lead the cast.
MYERS: You're knocking two coconuts together. Wait!
COSTELLO: I've got to go see that.
Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
When the Friday night lights go out on a high school player's football career -- a steroid scandal that left one student wishing he'd never told the truth.
You are watching DAYBREAK for Friday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And good morning to you.
Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
Now in the news, the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo, the severely brain damaged Florida woman, is to be removed this afternoon. Congress is trying to intervene to delay the tube's removal. But it's unclear if it can act in time. The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal.
President Bush heads for Florida this morning, trying to sell his plan to overhaul Social Security. The president speaks at a junior college in Pensacola this morning and at a YMCA family center this afternoon.
Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $11 million to settle claims its cleaning contractors employed illegal immigrants. Those 12 cleaning firms will themselves pay $4 million in criminal forfeitures.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired March 18, 2005 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Straight ahead on DAYBREAK, down to the wire -- an extraordinary legal maneuver in the life or death case of a brain damaged Florida woman.
Plus...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What are your regrets, if any?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Getting caught.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not doing them in the first place?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Getting caught, telling the truth.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A season sacrificed and a town torn over steroids in high school sports.
And you and your pet -- would you be willing to go to court to sue your veterinarian? We'll talk with an attorney about one such case.
It's Friday, March 18.
You are watching DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
Now in the news, it is being called an extraordinary Congressional maneuver. A U.S. House committee plans to issue a subpoena today that would effectively prevent the removal of a feeding tube for a Florida brain damaged woman. It's an 11th hour attempt and comes after a Supreme Court ruling turning down an appeal by Terri Schiavo's parents.
President Bush hits the road today, hoping to build support for his plans to reform Social Security. He'll be in Pensacola and Orlando. Next week, he'll push for reform in three Western states.
Wal-Mart will pay $11 million to settle claims from a long running federal investigation of illegal workers hired as cleaning contractors. The settlement means the company will not face criminal charges.
And you might not recognize the name, but George Kennan was a key architect of U.S. policy dealing with the Soviet Union after World War 2. Kennan died last night at the age of 101.
To the forecast center now and Chad -- good morning.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: A surprise development this morning. Congress working late into the night to save the life of Terri Schiavo. Congress is intervening in this last ditch effort to save her life. A House committee says it will issue a subpoena today to stop doctors from removing the brain damaged woman's feeding tube. That's supposed to happen at 1:00 Eastern, in the afternoon, that is. It's not exactly -- it's not known exactly who will issue this subpoena. This maneuver comes after law makers in the House and Senate failed to pass legislation to keep Schiavo alive before they recessed for spring break.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. BILL FRIST (R-TN), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: It is clear to me that Congress has a responsibility, since other aspects of government at the state level have failed to address this issue, that we do have a responsibility, given the uncertainties which I have outlined over the last few minutes. And remember, she has family members, her parents and brother, or son, a brother, who say they love her, they'll take care of her, they'll be responsible for her and they will support her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: In another development, the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal by Schiavo's parents to stop the removal of that feeding tube. They've been fighting Schiavo's husband on this issue for years.
And that brings us to our DAYBREAK E-Mail Question of the Morning. What do you think of this latest legal maneuver in the Schiavo case? Is it government interfering too much in the personal lives of others? Or do you think it's necessary?
Let us know what you think, daybreak@cnn.com. Daybreak@cnn.com.
Let's talk about Congress and baseball now.
Professional baseball took a bit of a beating in Congress. An all-star lineup of players and executives testified about steroid use. Former slugger Mark McGwire refused to say whether or not he ever used steroids. Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro flatly denied using them, as alleged by former player Jose Canseco, who was also in that Congressional hearing.
Baseball's commissioner promised under oath that the game has a new zero tolerance policy toward using the drugs. But not all committee members were buying it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS (R), CONNECTICUT: Why should someone have five strikes before they're out? I'd like to go right down the list. Why five strikes?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Congressman, let me begin by saying...
SHAYS: I'm going to have -- I'm not going to have you begin.
I'd like the commissioner.
Why five strikes, Commissioner?
BUD SELIG, COMMISSIONER, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Because that's the -- that's the negotiated policy right now, Congressman. That's the best we could do in collective bargaining. This is collective bargaining.
SHAYS: So it's the players' fault? SELIG: I didn't say it's the players' fault.
SHAYS: No, no, no, no. Because I want to know your position. Is your position one strike and you're out? SELIG: My -- no, it isn't mine. But the penalties would be much tougher if I had my way, as I did in the minor leagues.
SHAYS: But let's not blame the players, then, a second, and collective bargaining. SELIG: I'm not...
SHAYS: I want to know why -- SELIG: ... blaming the players...
SHAYS: I want to know why you need five strikes and you're out. SELIG: I would not...
SHAYS: I want to know why you can break the law once, break the law twice, break the law three times, break the law four times and then you're out. (END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Lawmakers at the hearing said a major area of concern for them is that steroid usage among professional athletes is imitated by college and even high school athletes.
We've introduced you to a family that faced a tragic consequence of the steroid use.
CNN's Ed Henry will tell us what Congress heard from an angry grieving father. (BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): All of the pre-game hype was about the big league ball players. But it was a grief-stricken father who stole the show.
DON HOOTEN, STEROIDS CAUSED SON'S SUICIDE: Players that are guilty of taking steroids are not only cheaters, you are cowards. You're afraid to step on the field to compete for your positions and play the game without the aid of substances. Not only that, you are cowards when it comes to facing your fans and our children.
HENRY: Tough talk. But if anyone has the right to say it, it's Don Hooten.
HOOTEN: Twenty short months ago, our youngest son Taylor took his own life. He was two weeks away from beginning his senior year in high school. He was carrying a 3.8 average, made excellent scores on his SAT tests and he and I were preparing to make college visits.
HENRY: Taylor was a right-handed pitcher with a nasty fast ball. He was already 175 pounds, but a coach urged him to bulk up, so he started secretly taking steroids and put on 30 pounds. He soon developed side effects, from acne to terrible mood swings. But the family missed all the warning signs. That still haunts the father, who is urging Congress to crack down on major league baseball.
HOOTEN: Let me implore you to take steps to clean up this mess. Please help us to see that our children's lives were not lost in vain. You have the power to do something about it.
HENRY: Testifying after the father, Mark McGwire broke down as he recalled hearing Don Hooten and other parents tell their tragic stories.
MARK MCGWIRE, FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE STAR: My heart goes out to every parent whose son or daughter were victims of steroid use. I hope that these hearings can prevent other families from suffering.
HENRY: Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro emphatically denied, under oath, ever using steroids. Despite being pressed on the matter, McGwire refused to answer.
MCGWIRE: I'm not here to discuss the past. I'm here to be positive about this.
HENRY: Evasions like that make Hooten furious.
HOOTEN: Show our kids that you're man enough to face authority, tell the truth, and face the consequences. Instead, you hide behind the skirts of your union. And with the help of management and your lawyers, you've made every effort to resist facing the public today. What message are you sending our sons and daughters? That you're above the law?
HENRY (on camera): Hooten says he's sick and tired of ball players saying they don't want to be considered role models and he wants other parents to join him in holding the athletes' feet to the fire.
Ed Henry, CNN, Capitol Hill.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: In the next hour of DAYBREAK, we're going to get the advice of a doctor who counsels high school students in the use of steroids. That's just ahead, at 6:00 Eastern, so stay with DAYBREAK.
In other "News Across America" this morning, there is a new inmate on San Quentin's death row. He is Scott Peterson. A prison spokesman tells us what happened when the convicted killer arrived.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. VERNELL CRITTENDON, SAN QUENTIN PRISON: Scott Peterson went in and immediately sat on the bunk, looking at the wall of the cell. He then, the officer said, "Well, Scott, I guess you want to plan to lay down and take a nap now."
Scott looked over at the officer from the seated position and said, "Man, I'm just too jazzed to even think about sleeping."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: We also understand that about three dozen women called the prison with messages for Peterson. Among them, two women who said they were interested in marrying the death row inmate.
A man working as a painter at David Letterman's ranch in Montana has been charged with plotting to kidnap Letterman's young son and nanny. Police say Kelly Frank planned to hold the entertainer's son and nanny for a $5 million ransom. Bail for Frank is set at $600,000.
A man sought as a so-called person of interest in the disappearance of 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford is in police custody. Authorities in Citrus County, Florida says John Evander Couey is cooperating with investigators. The little girl's mother told Larry King she doesn't believe Couey was response for her daughter's disappearance.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM CNN'S "LARRY KING LIVE")
ANGELA BRYANT, MOTHER OF MISSING FLORIDA GIRL: In my heart, I don't feel that he really had anything to do with it. I know she's out there somewhere and it's very important that we find her. I keep hope and I keep her in my heart.
LARRY KING, HOST: So you feel that -- this is a gut feeling, right -- that John Couey was not involved and that she's still alive?
BRYANT: I feel that she's still alive and in my heart and in my gut I don't feel that this man really had anything to do with it. I'm praying that he didn't. But I'm just, it's better than no news at all. It's just important that we keep looking for her and keep finding her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Couey was picked up at a homeless shelter in Augusta, Georgia. He's due in court today and he could be extradited to Florida.
Here's what we're working on for you on DAYBREAK this Friday morning.
You might have to sell your car to afford to put gas in the tank. It's a catch-22 for your bottom line.
If you love your cats, your dog is like family, but how far would you be willing to go if you think they were treated badly by your veterinarian? Medical or veterinary malpractice -- we'll delve into that question just ahead.
And Robert Blake says he's going cowboying now that his murder trial is over. What exactly does that mean? Jeanne Moos wondered, too. And if anybody can figure it out, she can.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 5:14 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Congress is about to make a dramatic last ditch effort to keep Terri Schiavo alive. A House committee says it will issue a subpoena today to stop doctors from removing the brain damaged woman's feeding tube. A court has ordered the tube be removed eight hours from now.
Guilty -- rapper Lil' Kim has been convicted of lying to a federal grand jury to protect friends involved in a shootout outside a New York City radio station. She could get 20 years in prison.
In money news, gas prices hit a record high. AAA says the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular is now $2.055. And it's not even the peak summer driving season yet.
In culture, books or TV? A new study says college students watch an average of three hours, 41 minutes of TV each day, and it's interrupting time some could spend cramming for exams. You think? What's new about that?
In sports, No. 11 seed Alabama/Birmingham scores an upset in the NCAA tournament. UAB knocked off 6 seed Louisiana State 82-68 last night. It wasn't even close -- Chad. MYERS: It wasn't.
But how about the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee beating Alabama? That was another -- all of the upsets took place in Chicago yesterday. That was kind of odd. But everybody else, the brackets all worked out great.
Good morning, Carol.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Well, the Robert Blake murder trial may be finished, but CNN's Jeanne Moos is still mulling over some of the odd comments the former "Baretta" star made after his acquittal.
See what you make of subjects ranging from hummingbird spats to cowboying.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was like a cross between "Law and Order" and "Baretta."
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOOS: Robert Blake won't be doing the time. And when that sank in, his head sank to the table. He got so excited he had to pop some pills. He even fell off his chair.
Outside the courthouse, exhaling like a horse, his attorney kept trying to reign him in.
GERALD SCHWARZBACH, ATTORNEY: Should we go?
BLAKE: Have you got a date? I'm 71 years old. If they can find a place on my ass where there ain't a scar, they can put one.
MOOS: Like the character he used to play, he shot down one questioner.
BLAKE: What do you want, man?
MOOS: A reporter asked politely, "Who do you honestly believe killed your wife?"
BLAKE: Shut up.
MOOS: This was the world according to Robert Blake. He quoted everyone from Albert Einstein to Johnny Cochran.
BLAKE: You're innocent until proven broke.
MOOS: Blake used expressions so folksy they'd make Dan Rather envious.
BLAKE: I'm going to get a job. I'm broke. Right now, I couldn't buy spats for a hummingbird.
MOOS: We consulted a hummingbird expert, who said he'd never heard the expression, but suggested that hummingbirds have exceedingly small feet, so spats for them would be really, really cheap. "Baretta" may have walked, but hummingbirds can't. Their legs are so tiny they can just hover and perch. Anyway, "Baretta's" into parrots.
What's he going to do now that he's free?
BLAKE: I'm going to go out and do a little cowboying. Do you know what that is?
MOOS: Maybe you'd like to take a guess. Is Blake going to do a little A, cursing like a cowboy; B, drinking like a cowboy; or, C, rolling in the hay like a cowboy?
BLAKE: Cowboying is when you get in a motor home or a van and you just let the air blow in your hair and you wind up in some little bar in Arizona someplace.
MOOS: There was one final "Baretta"-ism that left the press puzzled.
BLAKE: Any of you guys on the cameras, any of you gaffers got a pair of dykes?
MOOS: Could it be that Blake is looking A, for cast members from the "L Word"; B, structures to contain the flow of his tears? It turns out dykes are wire cutters. Blake borrowed a tool and right then and there sliced off his electronic ankle bracelet.
A guy who used to put people in pretend cuffs, then found himself in real cuffs, now is holding up his electronic cuff while making off- the-cuff remarks.
Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart.
Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Wow!
When things go wrong at the vet -- just ahead, the surprising amount of people going to court over pain and suffering endured by their pets. Should you be able to sue even if your dog is a mutt? We'll have the answer ahead.
You are watching DAYBREAK for Friday, March 17.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Paul Wolfowitz, the man President Bush has picked to lead the World Bank, has turned to a rock star for advice. Wolfowitz actually called on Bono to discuss poverty and development issues. The lead singer of the rock group U2 campaigns extensively for African aid and debt relief, and could defuse some of the criticism of Wolfowitz.
Comedy Central's Jon Stewart has his own take on Bono.
Yes, it's time for some "Late Night Laughs."
Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART, COURTESY COMEDY CENTRAL)
JON STEWART, HOST: This week, Bono and his wife unveiled Edun, their new line of ethically produced clothing, made in Peru and Tunisia. Each pair of the company's jeans comes lined with a message: "We carry the story of the people who make our clothes around with us." Also, each pair of clothing comes with an embroidered request from those people.
Adams was also disinvited from the traditional Saint Patrick's Day ceremonies at the White House, meaning he missed the honor of watching President Bush receive a porcelain container of shamrocks from the Irish prime minister. From our country to yours, a bowl of weeds.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: I'm just trying to get over the picture in my mind of Paul Wolfowitz and Bono having a mano y mano conversation.
MYERS: Over a pair of jeans.
COSTELLO: Yes. With U2 music playing in the background. I don't know.
MYERS: Well, it is Irish, isn't it?
COSTELLO: All right, time for some DAYBREAK "Eye-Openers" now.
At first glance, this may look like any other gas station bathroom. But open the door and you will get quite a treat. The owner of this...
MYERS: Open the door!
COSTELLO: Open the door! There it goes. There it is.
MYERS: Ooh.
COSTELLO: The owner of this California Chevron station is keeping a spectacular restroom. It shows respect for his customers.
MYERS: What's up with that mirror? It looks all scratched. Get a new mirror. COSTELLO: He says this keeps customers coming back, even with gas prices really high now.
MYERS: Sure.
COSTELLO: Sure.
The world Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska include statues of animals, people and some free-form creations.
MYERS: Wow!
COSTELLO: Chainsaws, blowtorches, warm water and a variety of power tools transformed the blocks of ice into this wonderful art.
MYERS: I like the giraffe.
COSTELLO: Pretty cool.
The statues will be on display until the end of the month, or until they at -- if they last that long. Of course, that depends on the weather, Chad.
MYERS: Right. It's been cool enough, so...
COSTELLO: Good.
That's good.
And the search for the holy grail has hit the Great White Way. "Spamalot" opened to a packed house on Broadway last night. The musical comedy says it "lovingly ripped off the 1975 hit movie, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'"
Mike Nichols is directing the spoof. Tim Curry, Eric Idle and David Hyde Pierce lead the cast.
MYERS: You're knocking two coconuts together. Wait!
COSTELLO: I've got to go see that.
Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
When the Friday night lights go out on a high school player's football career -- a steroid scandal that left one student wishing he'd never told the truth.
You are watching DAYBREAK for Friday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And good morning to you.
Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
Now in the news, the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo, the severely brain damaged Florida woman, is to be removed this afternoon. Congress is trying to intervene to delay the tube's removal. But it's unclear if it can act in time. The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal.
President Bush heads for Florida this morning, trying to sell his plan to overhaul Social Security. The president speaks at a junior college in Pensacola this morning and at a YMCA family center this afternoon.
Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $11 million to settle claims its cleaning contractors employed illegal immigrants. Those 12 cleaning firms will themselves pay $4 million in criminal forfeitures.
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