Aaron addressed the issue of integrity head-on, speaking in the context of baseball's steroid era that had cast a shadow over the sport's records. As someone whose home run record was eventually broken by Barry Bonds — a player widely suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs — Aaron's words carried enormous moral authority. He told graduates that he liked to think he would have rejected any drugs not approved by the team doctor, and shared the advice he gives young aspiring baseball players: stay away from anything that harms your body, be patient, and work hard to develop your skills. His broader message was universal — in any field, shortcuts and cheating may produce temporary results, but they inevitably come back to haunt you.