Major League Baseball and the Players Association agree to domestic violence

Major League Baseball announced Friday a joint agreement with the MLB Players Association regarding a new policy for domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

“Major League Baseball and its clubs are proud to adopt a comprehensive policy that reflects the gravity and the sensitivities of these significant societal issues”. We’re on record as saying this stuff is well beyond the ability of pro sports leagues to properly address, and that any attempt to preempt the legal system is about concern with optics instead of justice.

Major League Baseball also sent out a press release explaining their motives for the new policy, and it includes quotes from both Manfred and the leader of the Players Association, Tony Clark.

Under the new policy, Manfred will have the authority to investigate allegations of these acts, and will also have the power to hand down whatever “discipline he believes is appropriate in light of the severity of the conduct”.

The policy – a partial response to the NFL’s controversial handling of cases in those categories previous year – sets standards for investigation, discipline and treatment. Three experts will serve on the board along with two members appointed by MLBand two by the union, and one of the experts will submit a proposed treatment plan to the full board for approval.

Players can still challenge any punishment levied on them by going in front of an arbitration panel, so it’s not like Manfred can just do whatever he wants – the players will have a place to defend themselves if, say, a very rich and popular player got off easy compared to an unknown one.

Such plans could include psychological tests, counseling, compliance with court mandates, relocation from a residence and other “reasonable directives” to ensure safety of victims.

“Players are husbands, fathers, sons and boyfriends”.

At the end of the administrative leave, Manfred may discipline the player immediately, reinstate the player and defer any disciplinary action until after resolution of any criminal charges, or under certain circumstances may suspend the player with pay until legal proceedings are completed. Players will not receive service time for the period of the suspension.

Players will also be provided education in English and Spanish about domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse at regular intervals.