|
Ejection seems harsh to me, too, but that's the Fed rule, after a team warning. Another reason this is my last year of Fed umpiring.
Read the Fed 2002 case book in section 3.3.1 (I think) for some other examples. Ejection for using a "tobacco-like substance," even if it turns out to be licorice or bubble gum.
The Fed rules remind me of the mandatory sentencing laws that were introduced after a few airhead judges gave light sentences to vicious criminals. Mandatory sentencing laws don't work, and neither do Fed's rules that don't allow an umpire to use his own judgment about individual situations.
Maybe Fed will eventually order ejection for any player who voices a politically incorrect opinion within the confines of the playing field. "Batter, what do you think of Title IX? Wrong! You're gone!"
__________________
greymule
More whiskey—and fresh horses for my men!
Roll Tide!
|