MLB, MLBPA meet to discuss new domestic violence policy

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Major League Baseball is smart enough to look around and see what is happening. Specifically, they are aware of the way that the National Football League has completely and utterly bungled the handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence incident.

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One would like to think that MLB is proactively addressing their own domestic abuse policy, at least in part, due to a greater understanding of what a problem domestic violence is for the country in general and how badly the NFL failed to understand that. Hopefully that is at least part of the thinking in addition to the obvious public relations factors that are in play.

On Friday, MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) met to start the discussions about a new domestic violence policy. “We view today’s meeting as an important first step in working with the commissioner’s office to address all of the issues connected to domestic violence,” said MLBPA spokesperson Greg Bouris (courtesy of ESPN.com).

As per that same report, MLB’s current CBA is vague about what exact discipline might be imposed for these types of incidents. That is something they would presumably address more clearly in any new policy.

In identifying the need for this policy, Selig took a fairly clear shot at the players in the Rice saga, including the law enforcement officials who failed to come down harder on the Ravens’ running back. “Domestic violence is one of the one worst forms of societal conduct,” Selig said. “We understand the responsibility of baseball to quickly and firmly address off-field conduct by our players, even potentially in situations in which the criminal justice system does not do so.”

Point well taken, Bud.

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