MLB: Stricter punishment for DUI cases?
NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball and its players' association are considering a formal plan for dealing with alcohol-related incidents in the next collective bargaining agreement.
Two baseball officials confirmed the negotiations to The Associated Press on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks are considered confidential.
Alcohol use has become a hot-button issue in baseball, following a spate of six drunken-driving incidents involving high-profile players already this season.
The current CBA, which expires Dec. 11, has provisions for dealing with "drugs of abuse" such as cocaine and marijuana, but does not provide Commissioner Bud Selig with the authority to discipline players for alcohol-related offenses.
Instead, players arrested for DUI and other incidents are typically offered confidential counseling and treatment on a case-by-case basis. According to one baseball official, the league and the players' union simply want to "codify" the current process.
The plan could mirror the one already in place for players who test positive for drugs like marijuana -- they face mandatory counseling and possible suspension if they refuse to cooperate. "This is something we have planned to discuss, alcohol in general," league spokesman Pat Courtney said Friday. "It's been brought up and will continue to be brought up."
On Monday, Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo became the latest player arrested when he failed field sobriety tests in Sheffield Lake, Ohio. Other players involved in alcohol-related incidents this season include Choo's teammate, Austin Kearns; Adam Kennedy of the Mariners; Coco Crisp of the A's; Derek Lowe of the Braves; and Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers.
None of the players has been suspended by their respective teams.
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