Bea V. Larsen . . . .Commentaries |
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Bea V. Larsen is a Senior Mediator at the Center for Resolution of Disputes in |
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Hello Sports Fans This entry was posted on 7/2/2006 7:00 AM and is filed under Generally Speaking. As one who never follows sports teams, or even
the individual performance of sports heroes, I find the sports
pages of newspapers compelling.
The human interest stories often read like Greek tragedy. This past Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies sent Brett Myers to the mound the day after he had been arrested and arraigned for assaulting his wife. When Pat Gillick, the general manager, was asked why he did not push Myers back in the rotation, he answered with candor, "I think it was in the best interest of the club. He's our best pitcher". I hope the presumption of innocence comes to everyone's mind, but here the presumption was strained, as the assault took place on a public street, in the presence of strangers. Witness Courtney Knight told the Boston Globe: "It was disgusting. He was dragging her by the hair and slapping her across the face. She was yelling, "I'm not going to let you do this to me anymore.' He had her on the ground. He was pulling her, her shirt was up around her neck." Myers, when asked about the incident, is reported as apologizing only that "it had to get public." N.Y.Times reporter, Lee Jenkins, interviewed Kim Gandy, president of N.O.W., who offered: "It's disappointing that the Phillies didn't consider Brett Myers's status as a role model when they decided to play him in this game. It sends such a bad message to kids who watch sports. When someone who has just been arrested for assault is the starting pitcher, it seems like there are no consequences." I too wondered about the wisdom of the decision made. But, the newspaper story continued: "The crowd at Fenway Park, treating the game as a referendum on domestic violence, booed Myers every time he walked on or off the field." So, as it turned out, there were consequences, given full voice, heard by all the kids and adults watching the game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The AP reported, a day or so later, that Myers would take a leave of absence. Specifically, he is quoted as saying, "First, while I dispute that the facts are as alleged, I recognize that my behavior was inappropriate and for that I apologize. Second, I recognize that the incident created an embarrassing situation for many people, including my wife and family, my teammates, the Phillies organization, and fans, and I am very sorry for that." I know that for many, offering a heartfelt apology, accepting responsibility, is difficult. But should not the word "inappropriate" be stricken from the language? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . His wife posted his $200 bail. |
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