Rules Need Not Apply in a Sticky Situation

I do not understand National League President Bart Giamatti’s reduction of Jay Howell’s suspension from 3 days to 2. The original penalty was light enough without reducing it further.

Of course Howell did not file a formal appeal. On what possible ground could he protest the ruling? Instead he chose to have an informal chat with Giamatti to plea bargain, apologize and explain that he was not a cheater. But the fact is, Howell broke the rules and should have the grace to accept the penalty.

America’s unwritten law used to be, “Anything goes as long as you don’t get caught.” Now that has been changed to, “Anything goes even if you do get caught,” that is, if you have the resources and a good attorney.

VANCE GEIER

Los Angeles