The High Court

Deep Thinkers Only...

Criminal Intent

 

What is it with Bud Selig and this time of year?  First, a tie game All-Star Game.  Then, the novelty of the midsummer classic is abolished with the “This One Counts” campaign, which gives the league representative of the winning league home field advantage in the World Series.  Now, Bud is outwitted by “The Gambler” Kenny Rogers.

 

As you most assuredly know by now, Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers attacked two cameras and cameramen a couple of weeks ago, and was subsequently hit with a 20 game suspension from Bud and boys atop the MLB hierarchy.  Following the standard union procedure (anything to add on unions, Darth?), Rogers has remained eligible for the time being by filing an appeal. 

 

So that leads us to the fact that Rogers has accumulated a 10-4 record thus far and was selected to the American League All-Star team.  And this is where it gets murky.  According to MLB, the Rangers, Rogers and everyone else you ask, an appeal of the suspension cannot be heard until after the All-Star break.  Now, I wasn’t aware that planes don’t fly to New York on a regular basis from the DFW airport in Texas, but evidently Rogers can’t get there on his own, so he has to wait until his team swings through the Big Apple.

 

Since the suspension isn’t in place this week, Rogers has decided to take himself to Detroit and enjoy the All-Star festivities.  And why shouldn’t he?  He has a commissioner that is weaker than the validity of a Jose Canseco testimony, so why should Rogers punish himself? 

 

For the life of me, I can’t see why this issue hasn’t been settled already.  As commissioner, there are some powers that even the union can’t overcome completely.  For example, if a player like Rogers wants to appeal his suspension, there should be a simple protocol.  Hop on a plane at your own at expense.  Arrive in New York within 10 days in order to have your appeal heard.  Otherwise, the suspension sticks as it was handed down.  End of discussion.  This would allow problems to be handled quickly, yet fairly, and put the focus back on the field of play.

 

And another thing.  If you receive a suspension FOR ANY REASON during the baseball season, you become ineligible for the upcoming All-Star Game.  Seems pretty simple, actually.  Kinda like when you were a kid and you got in trouble at school or at home.  As a result of your poor behavior, some type of reward was removed.  You want to curb the silly beanball wars, cheating, and other infractions?  Start taking away the All-Star privilege for those involved.  And whom should this have started with?  Kenny Rogers. 

 

Rogers may have earned the All-Star berth with his mound performance, but he also tossed the honor away with his on-camera performance.  And, that is where you have missed it, Mr. Selig.  You should have forced the appeal to be heard by now.  And you should have turned dictator long enough to declare Rogers ineligible for the All-Star Game. 

 

As it is, Rogers calls Selig’s bluff and walks away the big winner.  Not only has he remained in the Rangers’ rotation, but he also announced Sunday that he will tiptoe quietly to Detroit like the school kid who can’t believe no one saw him break the rules.  Meanwhile, Selig heads to Motown with an egg on his face from this debacle, and solidifies his position as the third-best commissioner of the three major sports leagues (no, hockey doesn’t count anymore). 

 

But Bud, it didn’t have to be this way.  And that’s what makes it criminal.

The Gambler clearly didn’t know when to walk away.  As for Rogers’ trip to Detroit this week, The Powdered Wig says Bud Selig is Kenny’s accomplice in this case of criminal intent.   (espn.com)