Arbitrator who will hear Grievance in bounty case gets fired by the MLB (2 Viewers)

[billinms]

Not saying that isn't what is going on, but there sure better not be any evidence of it. Ever. Including testimony.

I'll say it, that isn't what's going on.

 

[darkhornet]

The timing is unusual, but they likely fired him because they didn't like his ruling in the Braun case and its likely it didn't have much to do with the NFL. I'd be ecstatic if its the same guy though, because he was smart enough to understand that there was not enough conclusive evidence to prove Braun was guilty. In my opinion, his ruling fell more in line with the way an actually judge and jury would have ruled. In other words, he's the furthest possible thing from Roger Goodell

The worry I have is whether or not he'll still be as fair as he was in that case given the sting of being fired from his MLB role because of it. Could mean he tries to toe the line a little more than he would have.

 

[NaJ88]

The worry I have is whether or not he'll still be as fair as he was in that case given the sting of being fired from his MLB role because of it. Could mean he tries to toe the line a little more than he would have.

That's a good point. He's shown he is willing to stand up to the big dogs, but will he still be that brave after losing one of his gigs as a result of doing so?

 

[WallyBB]

That's a good point. He's shown he is willing to stand up to the big dogs, but will he still be that brave after losing one of his gigs as a result of doing so?

That goes both ways though... the NFLPA and the NFL (as I understand it) both appoint the arbitrator, so if he sides fully with the NFL to 'stay in their good graces' wouldn't the NFLPA just dump him all the same?

 

[AARPSaint]

I cannot find the link, so I'm relying on memory here. He ruled that the urine sample taken from Braun was improperly handled. The sample was taken on a Friday and taken to the tech's home over the weekend instead of to FedEx because FedEx was closed. The MLB rule states that the samples must be directly shipped to the lab and not delayed unless there are special circumstances.

Now, you could argue that there were special circumstances because the sample could not be shipped. But it seems to me that it was stupid to obtain the sample at a time when it could not be shipped immediately. That's a matter of stupidity. It's not as though they took it to the airport but the flight was delayed, or something like that.

The reason for the rule is obvious: the tech could tamper with the sample if it's not shipped immediately. You could argue that it was a technicality, but it really isn't.

So, MLB fired him because he insisted that the rules be followed. I expect he'll be receiving his pink slip from the NFL very soon. We can't have these arbitrators actually insisting that the league follow the rules.

Edit: I know that I read this on nfl. com--but the story is nowhere to be found now. This would have been around noon EDT. Did anyone else see it?

 

[Mackenzie]

There is more to this story. Stay tuned...

 

[rainwater]

The reason for the rule is obvious: the tech could tamper with the sample if it's not shipped immediately.

Thus the tamper proof seals that were used. So, no matter how long it was held before shipping it wouldn't have made tampering any easier. If you were going to tamper with something that is seemingly tamper proof, wouldn't holding it over the weekend make it even more obvious? Braun was extremely lucky, but even the arbitrator knew he was guilty.

 

[cYnical]

There is more to this story. Stay tuned...

So ominous... oh:

 

[SuperSaint]

The fact that he seems to be more sympathetic to the players could be good for us...

 

[AARPSaint]

Thus the tamper proof seals that were used. So, no matter how long it was held before shipping it wouldn't have made tampering any easier. If you were going to tamper with something that is seemingly tamper proof, wouldn't holding it over the weekend make it even more obvious? Braun was extremely lucky, but even the arbitrator knew he was guilty.

Okay, so it's just fine to violate the rules of the agreement? If we start breaching contracts, then chaos will ensue. I agree that it was a techncality and suspect that Braun ws guilty--but people should not quit following agreed upon procedures.

By the way, how do you know that tamper proof seals were used? Were you there? Is there some information that verifies that tamper prooof seals were used? Thanks.

 

[Quiet_Storm]

I'll say it, that isn't what's going on.

Whoops accidentally red thumbed a rational post...

This guy seems like he could be good for the players. If he ruled in favor of Braun, I'd imagine he'd want to see some real evidence on the saints players. Personally I'd be surprised if the suspensions weren't reduced some. I'm sure Vilma will get a couple games, but a season is way over the top. Maybe the others get very few or no game suspensions.