Major League Baseball signs domestic violence policy

Major League Baseball and the players union have reached agreement on a new joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, the first of its kind in baseball.

The new policy will set the standards for investigation, discipline and treatment for domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse cases.

“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”, Manfred said in a press release. “We believe in that these efforts will foster not only an approach of education and prevention yet moreover a united stance against these matters throughout our sport and our communities”. He can place a player on administrative leave with pay for up to seven days while the league investigates any allegations.

The new plan ushers in the formation of a joint policy board, which will determine the proper treatment for players found guilty of any of the three crimes listed above.

The policy does not state a minimum or maximum penalty and places punishment entirely in the hands of the commissioner, now Rob Manfred. This new policy covers domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse issues.

Please note Rob Manfred’s ability to “issue the discipline he believes is appropriate”, i.e. the commish can suspend a player for as long as he feels necessary to quell public outrage.

All disciplinary suspensions under the policy that are upheld are without pay and suspended players will not accrue Major League service. If the disciplinary action becomes an unpaid suspension, the player has the right to offset the time served against the penalty, but must repay any salary he received from his team during the paid suspension. It seems like Manfred is going full Goodell here, but not quite: a player who challenges his punishment will have his appeal decided by an independent arbitrator as stipulated under the CBA. Treatment plans will be laid out by a three-member panel of experts, which could include counseling sessions and limiting players’ interactions with their partners.

Previously, the labor contract included a voluntary treatment program for certain alcohol-related and off-field violent conduct.