The Sports Law Guru

Let me preface this article by saying that I’m not big on blaming people.  I would rather just acknowledge the problem and work on a solution.  ….but Bud Selig is just asking for it.  In this article on ESPN.com, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig says he doesn’t deserve to be blamed for the rampant use of steroids in baseball and lack of  a drug testing policy in past years.  He claims that he tried to put a stop to it, but there was nothing more that he would do.  Pardon me, but that’s just a big pile of steaming bull —-.  He’s the Commissioner of baseball and he doesn’t have the power to stop it?  Did he say that with a straight face?  Of course he’s to blame; he runs the league and the league makes the rules.  Sure, the league seeks the approval of the Player’s Association, but ultimately it’s the league’s call.

If you can’t blame him, then who can you blame?  You can blame the players; they do certainly shoulder the ultimate blame.  But come on, in what other industry can the chief executive be aware of a significant issue, take improper steps to address it, and then say he’s not to blame?  You can’t think of one… That industry doesn’t exist!  The chief executive is ultimately in charge and must be accountable for the actions of the company.  That’s why he gets paid the big $$$$s.  For Selig to think differently shows an astounding lack of accountability.  …maybe he should apply for a job as a Wall Street CEO?

Given Selig’s position, let’s take a look at his justification.  Selig says that there is nothing more he could have done.  He says he was in favor of a strict policy, but was hesitant push too hard, because he was afraid that the Player’s Union would strike.  From my seat in the stands that’s terrible reasoning and weak negotiating.  Of course it wouldn’t be good if the players strike, but can you imagine how badly the players would look if they elected to strike over the implementation of a steroid testing policy? Granted, steroids wasn’t such a hot button topic 10 years ago, but the media would have ripped the players to shreds.  I just don’t buy it.  Selig didn’t implement drug testing because he simply didn’t push hard enough.  The Player’s Union would have eventually caved in.

I don’t think Selig is a bad guy, and actually think he’s done some pretty decent things for the game.  However, for him to come out and make such a public statement about not being the guy to blame, is just wrong.  He’s not the only one to blame, but if you’re going to blame someone, he’s certainly right at the top of the list.

Agree, disagree, or think my writing stinks? Let me hear about it.

Matt Breeden (SportsLawGuru.com) is an internationally respected business advisor and attorney based in Indianapolis, IN. His practice is focused on Sports & Entertainment, Intellectual Property, Commercial and Corporate Law. He represents Sports & Entertainment properties, as well as many other businesses, in a variety of matters, including: Broadcast & Digital Media Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Sponsorship Agreements, Commercial Agreements, Athlete/Driver Contracts, Insurance & Risk Management, Employment Agreements, Litigation Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Formation and Corporate Governance.