Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig rejected Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers' appeal of his 20 game suspension for shoving a cameraman. As a result, Rogers will begin serving the suspension Wednesday night when the Rangers take on the Baltimore Orioles.
Selig released a statement explaining why he upheld the suspension. 'Kenny Rogers' behavior towards the two cameramen who were present at the ballpark and doing their job on June 29th, was wholly unacceptable,' Selig explained. 'I have always placed a special emphasis on the social responsibility that each of us has in Major League Baseball given its proper place in American history and culture as a social institution. The media is entitled to perform its important role without fear of physical intimidation or contact from our players or other participants. While I listened carefully to Kenny Rogers' sincere explanation last week, I heard nothing that would warrant either eliminating or reducing the discipline imposed.'
The incident took place on the field during pre-game warm-ups in Anaheim. Rogers has been charged with misdemeanor assault as a result of his actions in the matter.
The players association has filed a grievance and wants the case heard by an arbiter. The arbiter, Shyam Das, has scheduled a hearing for August 8. He declined to issue a stay of the suspension, however, which will begin tonight.
According to Michael Weiner, the union's general counsel, Selig should not have made the initial decision and heard the appeal. The union contends that baseball's disciplinarian, Bob Watson, should have heard the case initially.
'We think the decision is both unfair and inconsistent with the basic agreement,' Weiner told the Associated Press. 'We don't think commissioner Selig had the authority in the first place to issue discipline. We also think 20 games and a $50,000 fine wholly disregards industry precedent with respect conduct of this type. We look forward to seeking appropriate relief for both Kenny and his Texas teammates before the arbitrator.'
Rogers, a three-time all-star, issued a formal apology prior to this year's All-Star game in Detroit.
