Add arbitrator Shyam Das to the long list of people who want Kenny Rogers' autograph. Or maybe some box-seat tickets to a Rangers game.
Das felt sorry for poor little Kenny, suspended 20 games by commisssioner Bud Selig for assaulting two cameramen in June. So he lifted the suspension Tuesday after 13 games. Rogers is slated to start against the Red Sox tonight.
I don't agree with Selig on a lot of things, but I am in his corner here.
Selig let his feelings be known in a statement sent to media outlets Tuesday:
"I strongly disagree with arbitrator Das' decision today. It sends the wrong message to every one of our constituents: the fans, the media, and our players.
"There is a standard of behavior that is expected of our players, which was breached in this case. The arbitrator's decision diminishes that standard and is contrary to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. In my opinion, the decision is seriously ill-conceived."
Rogers committed a crime more savage than Rafael Palmeiro testing positive for steroids. Palmeiro is the one who will probably be made an example of. Rogers, with an army of apologists that starts in the Rangers clubhouse and extends to the broadcast booth, the stands, and it turns out, an arbitrator's office in Chicago, gets a sympathetic pat on the back from everyone.
Perception is reality, it turns out. Rogers has been vindicated, and a deservedly harsh slap delivered by Selig is made a mockery of by a sycophantic arbitrator apparently eager to please a rich, famous athlete.
So, go on Kenny. Lose your temper. Shove people. Punch them, too. Heck, rob a 7-Eleven at gunpoint. There will always be ways for you to slither off the hook because of who you are.
There will always be another Shyam Das to give you a knowing wink from across the room.
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