Tony Clark's Latest Statements Feel Like Another Excuse From Astros' Players
By Mark Powell
The Astros have reacted to their punishment for stealing signs in the 2017 and 2018 seasons like children, placing hands over their ears and refusing to listen to the outside world while the head of PR reads off a statement in their behalf. The only difference is this time the adults in the room don't seem to care, or continue to make excuses on Houston's behalf.
Rob Manfred's proven entirely incompetent as a commissioner, failing to appropriately punish the Astros' players, and perhaps falsely claiming that the MLBPA wouldn't have allowed him to do so. Our first glimpse of hope that some MLB execs didn't live in this alternate reality was Tony Clark. However, even Clark failed to put his foot down when given the chance.
After 3-plus hour meeting with the Astros, players union chief Tony Clark said Astros players were “passionate,” “focused,” and “direct.” Also used the word “contrite.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 21, 2020
Looks like Clark fell for their charade, as well. It's not necessarily a surprise since Clark is, by definition, supposed to take the players' stance above all else. Yet, by forgiving this small group, he's ignoring the views of most of baseball, who are rightfully furious over Houston's wrongdoings and lack of remorse.
Tony Clark stressed there are no regrets about requesting — and receiving — immunity for the players. “I will never apologize for protecting player rights.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 21, 2020
What about a player's right to a fair playing field, a feat that was surely taken from the rest of the league in 2017 and (for all we know) beyond?
Clark strongly suggested the problem goes beyond video and sign stealing and is more a “culture” issue that strives for “hyper efficiency.” (Me: While this scandal was found to be “player driven,” the Astros as an organization is far from blameless)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 21, 2020
And there we have it. Whether he meant to or not, Clark has provided the Astros players with their new narrative.
Not a single Astros player has apologized, from the heart, for their faults. Their focus has shifted to 2020 and proving all of us wrong. By allowing them to escape the past, however, we're missing an important opportunity to make an example of Houston in arguably the worst cheating scandal of our generation.