The good folks from the Great Falls, Virginia Little League are a little upset over Elijah Dukes recent $500 fine.
After the Washington Nationals outfielder made an appearance at the little guys' season opener gathering for a little extra cash ($500) he ended up five minutes late for his day job as a professional baseball player. Five minutes late from making a bunch of little kids smile with autographed baseballs and pictures taken.
What a horrible thing to do.
"We’re raising the money," said the league's president Jim Mraz. "We’re going to pay the fine. It’s not a question of whether he can afford it or not. That’s none of our business. If he was put in a bad light because of us, we should at least pay the $500 for him."When questioned about the validity of Dukes' fine, acting general manager Mike Rizzo explained,
He was late for work. It’s not fair for his teammates if he’s late for work.That man is hardcore.
[SI.com] | [The Hardball Times] | [Fastball Radio]
5 comments:
Tough call on that one. Yes, it's a good idea to maintain standards that apply to everyone, not just a select few. Players need to show up on time or face consequences, regardless of the reason so long as it is not an emergency. However, he was paid to attend the function so I don't know that I'd classify it as charity. I can't speak on his intentions, but I think it's safe to assume he did it for all the right reasons. We can debate that all we want, but I think the bottom line is this: That Little League should be commended for setting an example to its young players and showing them what it means to do the right thing. Good for them.
You're right, its good to set an example for players who may bve late in the future, but I believe a stern talking-to in front of the club along with a warning may have been punishment enough.
I'm torn a little too, but considering Dukes' troubled past, I think it could be psychologically damaging to punish him for doing a good deed. He's gone from death threat-maker to role model in just a few years -- and I think the Nationals organization has done a lot to help him with his positive transformation.
Like anyone could "psychologically damage" Elijah Dukes anymore than he already is.
Touche, Megs.
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