Schmuck Watch: Kenny Gets Off

Just when I thought I had nothing to blog about today, an arbitrator reinstated camera-hating goon Kenny Rogers to the hallowed halls of professional baseball. Apparently some dolt by the name of Shyam Das felt sorry for the pampered millionaire and ended his 20 game suspension. Rogers will return to the Rangers for Wednesday night's game at Boston, and his $50,000 fine will be converted to a charitable contribution, no doubt so the grossly overpayed pitcher can write it off on his taxes.

For those who don't know, Kenny Rogers threw a world-class tantrum back on June 29th, inexplicably wrestling a camera off KDFW photog Larry Rodriguez's shoulder, throwing it to the ground and kicking it for no discernible reason. In doing so, Rogers further tarnished an already troubled pastime, sullied the name of a hirsute country music singer and forever earned the wrath of the photog nation.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who initially threw the book at Rogers, was equally aghast at today's decision:

"There is a standard of behavior that is expected of our players, which was breached in this case. The arbitrator's decision diminishes that standard and is contrary to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. In my opinion, the decision is seriously ill-conceived," he said.

Ill-conceived, indeed. It's beyond pathetic that a swaggering athlete can openly assault anyone he damn well pleases, only to be coddled by the leaders of the institution he so openly defaces. Were I ever a fan of the sport to begin with, that would now promptly change. Instead I'll continue to badmouth Major League Baseball and villify Rogers at every juncture. Schmuck.