C’mon, Bud
Aug 6, 2013, 7:44 PM | Updated: Jul 26, 2024, 1:04 pm
Even when Bud Selig gets it exactly right, he screws it up.
Selig’s tenure has been marked by enormous highs and sinking lows. Monday had both at the same time.
It took extreme courage (the word being used in a non-war context) to go where no commissioner has gone before. Selig spent money to investigate and buy evidence to make the game better. He went after major stars of the game with little regard for the stain the evidence would produce.
Monday was a monumental day in the history of sports, and Selig’s perseverance won out. He did more and has done more than any commissioner in the history of sports to rid the game of performance enhancing drugs.
Yet, it was the simple part he didn’t do.
Mr. Selig: Where were you Monday?
As much distaste as I have for David Stern, at least he stood up for a press conference following the Tim Donaghy referee-gambling fiasco. A leader must stand up and lead. Leaders do not issue statements and walk away. You can’t address one of the biggest days in MLB history with an email. Make a strong statement…VERBALLY. Look your fans in the eye and explain what you’ve done and why you did it. Look future cheaters in the eye and tell them you’ll do it again.
I have a great deal of respect for what Bud Selig has done for the game. I believe he acted more strongly than any commissioner in sports ever has. However, the game and the fans deserve a leader who will stand on the wall to defend their actions, as opposed to hiding behind a fax machine.
