The Seattle Mariners have set a good example for others (particularly sports franchises) with their handling of pitcher Julio Mateo. Mateo was arrested nearly three months ago for allegedly biting, hitting and strangling his wife.
Mateo was going to be playing for the Mariners this season, though unlikely to be a "major" player. After his arrest the Mariners suspended Mateo for 10 days without pay and then optioned him to their Class AAA minor league franchise. They did not bring Mateo up to the majors again despite a number of times when it would have helped the team.
Now Mateo has been traded the the Phillies.
The Mariners have a "Refuse to Abuse" campaign which they enforced. The Mariners' President stated:
"We believe in second chances. We helped him get one. But for us, it's just an absolute rule. You don't do that."
I'm grateful that the Mariners have been consistent in this matter in support of ending domestic violence. Perhaps someday this will be the norm!
Thanks!
6 comments:
Thanks Geo, for this bit of news. It's always good to note when institutions (such as professional sports) which support lots of traditional masculinity veer from the norm when it comes to violence against women. I wonder--has there been any backlash against them for not giving him a second (or third, or fourth) chance?
In the sports pages there was a fairly long column by a regular sports commentator which clearly was strongly supportive of what had been done.
I very much appreciate(d) the calmness and simple explanation, which didn't sensationalize things.
There has been zero backlash so far, and I doubt that there will be.
The real question is what happens when one faces a "star" with a similar situation. My guess is that the Mariners would do the same - and they've said that they would.
Teams like the Raiders and the Phillies - have taken a Very, Very different approach to violence/ "bad behavior" issues with their players.
This is encouraging news, Geo. Thanks for letting us know.
That is good news. Here's to more of that...
He was arrested... was he indicted for, tried for, and/or convicted of anything? (Just wondering.)
I believe that Mateo is awaiting trial. He has basically acknowledged that he did "wrong". I would not post this - IF there was a clear issue of potential innocence.
From the Seattle Times (Armstrong is the Mariners' President):
Armstrong remembers speaking with Mateo after his arrest.
"I let you down," Mateo said.
"You did," Armstrong replied.
With that, Mateo's relationship with the Mariners was over. The team helped him get counseling. The Mariners still treated him well. But he couldn't play for them anymore.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/jerrybrewer/2003817451_brewer02.html
Thanks!
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