(Site note: Look to the bottom of this post to find links to the other opinions and intro to this debate).
Just as I predicted, Loyal Homer wants to talk about whether or not Manny should play in the game, as opposed to whether or not he has a right to play in the game (which was the actual question).
Nevertheless, I’ll address his points before moving on…
Loyal Homer said, “If he is voted in, something will need to be done, either by Bud Selig or by Manny himself.”
Here’s where he is mistaken:
As an employer, MLB has the right to establish rules that govern the behavior of its players. That becomes a code-of-conduct. MLB can also impose punishments, as indentified within that code-of-conduct, for a violation of those rules. Those punishments cannot be changed after the fact, though, to better suit the needs of the organization.
The agreement made between Manny and MLB was simple. If you test positive for steroids, you will serve a 50-game suspension. It does not say, ‘you will be assessed with a 50-game suspension… and anything else we think of down the road.’ There cannot be any caveats where additional penalties are added after the fact.
When Shawn Merriman was named to the NFL Pro Bowl the same year that he tested positive, people were upset, and the NFL didn’t like it. But, Roger Goodell knew he couldn’t do anything about that situation because the rules were already in place. What he and the owners did, after the fact, was evaluate whether or not they should change the rule to make sure it doesn’t happen again. That was the right thing to do. That is the course of action that Bud Selig should take.
There is also the point that our friend Seezy raised in his comment to my previous argument. It’s important to think about the how this will impact the entire league. Do we reallywant Bud Selig to have the power to impose or change punishments on a whim, or as a result of pressure from the media? I don’t.
Consider Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron, who is currently 6th in NL outfielder voting. Cameron was suspended for 25 games last year because he tested positive for a “banned stimulant.” If voted in, should he be allowed to play in the All-Star Game? What about next year for Manny? Should he be allowed to play in the game ever again? By prohibiting Manny from his right to play in the All-Star Game, you begin to go down a very slippery slope which will call much more into question than simply, “does he have a legitimate right?”
Moving on, I think there is a bigger message being overlooked, which is the opinion of the fans. Fan voting for the All-Star Game is a great example of democracy in action. It’s what makes America great, because the people get to decide what should happen! If the fans really don’t think Manny should play in the game, they won’t vote him in. It’s as simple as that.
Right now, though, that voice is saying that they still want Manny to play, despitehaving tested positive. They’ve already moved on, so maybe the rest of us should, too!
Baseball is supposed to be for the fans. Fan voting is a way to reward fans by allowing them to see their favorites(not the best) play on the same field for one game. Manny still appears to be a favorite. The people have spoken, so let him play!
(Site note: to read the judge’s intro to this debate, click here. Read Bleacher Fan’s argument in favor of Manny’s inclusion in the game here. To read Loyal Homer’s argument about Manny being banned from the All-Star game should he be voted in, click here.)
