The baseball world is currently obsessed with all things
A-Rod, as a potential suspension is imminent. Consensus is that the Yankees, no matter how much they would like to, are unable to void A-Rod's contract for alleged steroid use as the remedy for such an offense is within the hands of MLB. Perhaps that is why the Yankee organization is seemingly hoping MLB suspends A-Rod or even bans him for life.
To make matters worse, Buck Showalter has recently added his tainted two cents worth, declaring that MLB should not impose a lifetime ban against
A-Rod. But Showalter's opinion in this matter is not rooted in altruism or because he believes such a penalty would be unfair, considering A-Rod has never been previously suspended. Showalter's opinion has nothing to do with the integrity of baseball or equitable punishment. Showalter's reasoning is that a lifetime ban or even a 1 or 2 year suspension, will help the Yankees get out from under A-Rod's contract and assist them in clearing the $189 million team salary bar, thereby avoiding the luxury tax.
If Arod is guilty of the charges assessed, then he deserves whatever punishment MLB delivers. If that punishment helps the Yankees get out from under Arod's contract which then would arguably be based upon fraud, then they would be entitled to such ancillary benefit as would any other team in such a position. Unfortunately, Showalter's jealousy and venom for the Yankees is once again spewing forth in what might more accurately be labelled "diarrhea of the mouth." Baseball would be better served in this challenging time period, if its ambassador managers helped maintain the sport's integrity rather than add fuel to the already burning fire. After all, baseball is still supposedly America's favorite game.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.