Another MLB player was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol yesterday. This time, it was former Red Sox and current Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Derek Lowe. His arrest continues a disgusting trend in the MLB among players, beginning this Spring with Austin Kearns and then Miguel Cabrera’s arrest, followed shortly by another former Red Sox player, Coco Crisp’s arrest. When will these players learn that not only are they endangering their careers and more importantly, their lives, they are also putting the entire community in harm’s way. These players are making millions of dollars a season, but can’t call a cab or hire a driver for the night if you they going to drink? The only way to help curb this growing trend is for the MLB to get involved.
To this point, there has been little-to-no disciplinary action for a player arrested for a DUI. The MLB may talk to the player, but unless it becomes a larger alcohol-related issue like Miguel Cabrera’s spousal abuse in 2009, the MLB releases a general statement about disappointment and both sides move on. In their mind, no one died, no harm no foul. Clearly, there is nothing there to discourage players from drinking and driving…no suspension, fine, or other disciplinary action. With this problem becoming ever-more present and in the media, it sheds an awful light on the league and the sport we all love. The MLB needs to put into place some strict regulations to discourage players from drinking and driving.
The easiest way to make a statement to a professional baseball player is to take away money and/or playing time. Right now, a player can be arrested and be back on the field in the same day, unless the team chooses to hold that player out of the lineup. If you are a GM or Manager of a team in playoff contention and your best player is arrested, but able to play that night, where is your motivation to sit that star? The MLB needs to both fine and suspend players if they are arrested. Period, end of story. Players will not respond to reprimands unless those penalties directly affect their wallets and careers in a significant way. The key word is significant. A $1,000 fine is a token joke. Just like the steroid penalties, the penalties should be severely escalated for each infraction, punishing 2nd and 3rd time offenders the most.
Baseball is America’s pastime and is a game beloved around the world. Kids grow up wanted to play in the MLB and want to be like their favorite players. They emulate every move, copying batting styles and pitching deliveries. What type of message is the MLB sending by not punishing those who commit illegal activities and endanger other innocent bystanders? A pretty shitty one if you ask me. By not disciplining the players, the league is essentially condoning this activity. These players are adults and should be intelligent enough to police themselves, but when the image of the league is in jeopardy, changes need to be made.
For more of my thoughts on this issue, check out my post from this Spring following the Cabrera and Crisp arrests.
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