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Braun's Suspension
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:18 pm
by James Maples
I would think that Braun should have received a longer suspension due to him trying to cover-up his failed urine test. Is what Braun did after the failed urine test not obstruction? I just think MLB should be more consistent.
Re: Braun's Suspension
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:37 pm
by James Maples
A-Rod's obstruction equals an additional 112 games of suspension.
Braun's obstruction equals an additional 12 games of suspension.
Re: Braun's Suspension
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 1:54 pm
by COZ
It's not obstruction when it was litigated through arbitration and the arbitrator sided with him. Whether you agree with the arguments by his lawyers and the arbitrator's decision, that is due process. Legal arguments at a collectively bargained arbitration hearing in front of an arbitrator is not obstruction. A-Rod attempting to purchase incriminating documents/pay off Bosch during an investigation? THAT is obstruction.
Also, Braun and the others took what could be called a 'plea bargain,' in a sense (though not in a criminal matter). It's quite common in all legal settlements: a lesser sentence or an agreed upon sentence in return for admitting guilt and to avoid the hassle of litigation/due process/legal challenges. Braun got off by the decision of the arbitrator and then took a "plea deal" on the Biogenesis evidence. So A-Rod refusing what I assume was a similar plea offer because of his ego/pride plus his histrionics at the arbitration hearing lead to different suspension length. Had Braun done the same, I am sure the outcome would have been similar. No way they should be the same given the same suspension length given their differing stances.
As a criminal defense lawyer, I see it all the time. When faced with overwhelming evidence, clients are in denial and unable to admit guilt out of pride/ego, etc. and go down the path of litigation, most times against the advice of their lawyers. I assume A-Rod's ego was driving this legal circus.
COZ
Re: Braun's Suspension
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:04 pm
by James Maples
Do you really think that A-Rod turned down a 62 games suspension? A-Rod didn't throw an innocent man (the urine collector) under the bus like Braun did. I agree that A-Rod is an ego maniac and probably deserves the 162 games, but in my opinion Braun should have received a similar suspension.
Re: Braun's Suspension
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 2:35 pm
by COZ
Yeah, I don't mean to come across as defending Braun at all. And I agree with you regarding Braun, but it was a legal/due process argument made at a hearing that the urine collector did not follow the proper protocol. They did not attempt to pay off the urine collector during an investigation. I just think their situations are different, and the manner their legal representatives handled things are different as well. Thus, the different outcomes. I'm trying to defend MLB and the different length of suspension more than siding with either Braun or A-Rod. Both deserve all the public shaming they are getting.
COZ
Re: Braun's Suspension
Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2014 3:14 pm
by Outlaw
Bruan will get his in the end... would'nt be surprised he if he has a bunch of injuries in his future... that would be baseball gods having thier say.