MLB sources say the league is still eyeing disciplinary
action against Reds Owner Marge Schott for comments she made on
Hitler during a recent ESPN interview, according to Peter Schmuck
of the Baltimore SUN. Acting Commissioner Bud Selig and the
Executive Council are "believed to be considering" action, "but
apparently want to make sure everything is done by the book"
(Baltimore SUN, 5/9). USA TODAY's Dodd & Patrick note legal
observers say Selig can act under the MLB agreement giving the
commissioner "the right to discipline parties for conduct
detrimental to the game" (USA TODAY, 5/9). Meanwhile, the DAYTON
DAILY NEWS is reporting the statement of apology issued by Schott
was actually written by MLB PR Dir Richard Levin. The paper also
reports that a Cincinnati radio personality made several changes
in Levin's draft before it was issued in Schott's name
("SportsCenter," ESPN, 5/8). The WASHINGTON POST's Tony
Kornheiser writes fellow MLB owners do not want to punish Schott
as "owners say stupid things so frequently that punishing Schott
for her stupidity might establish a dangerous benchmark"
(WASHINGTON POST, 5/9). In Cincinnati, Tim Sullivan writes the
Reds "deserve better and major league baseball should demand it.
... Selig could. He has the precedent and the power. What he
lacks is the will" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER/SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS,
5/9). "Extra" reported on Schott, with former Reds
player/manager Pete Rose defending her comments. An "extra" poll
asked if Schott should be kicked out of baseball and 45% said
yes, 55% said no ("extra, 5/8).
