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Faceoff

Should Kenny Rogers be allowed to appear in the All-Star Game?

By Times staff writers
Published July 10, 2005

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DON'T CHANGE THE RULES; ALLOW HIM TO PLAY

I'm angry. You're probably angry. The media are hopping mad.

Yes, but . . .

It's like this. The rights negotiated in labor deals - those agreed to after possibly years of negotiations - mean more than anyone's sense of outrage. In this case, the appeals process means Kenny Rogers has a right to appear in the All-Star Game.

So let him.

When baseball issues a penalty, the player gets to defend himself every time. You don't make exceptions to appease the fans, media or anyone else. And if you think it's for the good of the game that Rogers should be told to stay home, well, it's for the good of the game that the appeals process exists. Or do you want to tell a player he has no right to challenge his punishment?

Rogers was chosen for the All-Star Game on merit. His appeal won't be heard until after the break. Feel free to boo him. It's your right and mine. Root for AL manager Terry Francona to leave him in the bullpen for the duration. It's Francona's right. And if Rogers blows off the media, Bud Selig has a right to fine him.

Appearing at the game?

That's Rogers' right.

- ALAN RITTNER

MOST VISIBLE PUNK HAS DISHONORED HIMSELF, GAME

All-Star athletes should be held to higher standards than strong statistics.

Few would argue Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers deserves All-Star recognition after posting a 10-4 record. His 2.54 ERA is sixth best in the majors. But Rogers tarnished his All-Star image with his June29 tirade against two TV cameramen, sending one to the hospital, that was caught on video. The league levied a 20-game suspension and $50,000 fine.

This punishment is a joke if you consider Rogers will continue to earn his salary and likely miss just four games as a starter.

Instead of making an All-Star move and accepting punishment, Rogers continued his campaign for MVP - Most Visible Punk.

Rogers waited until July6 to apologize then did so to quell a blaze of bad press.

The three-time All-Star fueled the fire when he asked the players' union to appeal the suspension, keeping him eligible for Tuesday's game. Should the league honor someone who continues to dishonor his teammates and himself?

Rogers was voted to the All-Star team by players, managers and coaches just before the incident occurred.

I'm sure many would welcome a new vote.

- IZZY GOULD Last week

Is Kenny Rogers' 20-game suspension enough?

Izzy Gould (No) - 352

Alan Rittner (Yes) - 137

Overall

Last week was the first of the series.

[Last modified July 9, 2005, 23:35:17]

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