The Tale of Two Suspensions

Yesterday an arbitrator ruled that the original 20 game suspension imposed of Kenny Rogers for assualting a camera man was too harsh. This was Rogers' second appeal, the first being a non-sensical appearance before Bud Selig, the man who laid down the original suspension. The arbitrator felt that 13 games was enough and also converted the $50,000 fine imposed by Selig into a charitable contribution. Today Rogers will face the AL East leading Boston Red Sox, welcome back.

I have said from day one that Selig's punishment was far to harsh... it came only days after Gary Sheffield threw a punch into the stands of Fenway after fan interferrence, but, fortunately for him, he missed. He then shouted at the fans and maintained his distance. Sheffield did not receive a suspension or even a warning. In fact, he was praised by the media for his 'restraint.' But the real comparison I'd like to draw is to our favorite Viagra spokesmen, Raffy Palmeiro. A man who, during the pursuit of one of the most important milestones of any baseball player's career, actively cheated and lied to congress. His suspension was 10 games. That is the mandatory first violation penalty with the anemic drug abuse policy of MLB. What's especially funny is the way these haved been portrayed (by the media and by baseball administrators). Rogers was taken to the police station, released on bail and subject to criminal proceedings. I have no idea what Raffy has been doing lately, he certainly hasn't been talking to anyone. But the last time I checked, isn't using an illegal drug considered illegal? Is it somehow less illegal than a physical confrontation? Is it somehow better behavior exhibited for baseball, better P.R., or maybe... dare I quote Jose Canseco, better business?

Raffy uses steriods for who knows how long, puts up hall of fame numbers, lies to congress, and gets 10 games. Rogers proves he doesn't know when to walk away and when to run, and gets 20 games. It's a simple point. Baseball needs to get its head out of its ass and deal with what is really wrong with the game. It's not one of its journeyman pitchers finally having a great season. It's that fact that the entire legacy of baseball is being threatened by the abundant steriod abuse of the last 10 years that everyone has looked away from. And yes, Raffy's numbers (one of 4 players with 500 Home Runs and 3000 hits) are offensive to history, but the real perpetrator, who is conveniently out with an injury this season, is Barry Bonds. His 73 Home Runs in a season and pursuit of Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron's career totals is disgusting. This man has the power to ruin baseball. He's a dirty cheater and he is on record having taken steriods. And no punishment. I don't care if baseball had not drug testing at the time. They should have. Selig needs to stopping worrying about running his little empire and and instead work on saving it.