By SSTN ADMIN
March 22, 2024
***
From MLBTR:
My initial reactions:
There's an old saying, "If there is smoke, there is fire." This doesn't seem good for the Ohtani, for the Dodgers, or Major League Baseball.
I have to wonder if the next big news to drop is that Ohtani is suspended pending the results of the investigation. That has to be the way they move forward, no? Have there been other MLB investigations without a paid suspension? (I am asking sincerely. I hope some readers know the facts here. I do not.)
My biggest reaction - I am sad. I wanted Ohtani to be a Yankee when he first came to the USA. I have always rooted for him. I love to watch exciting players. Ohtani was a treasure - a once in a century type of player.
This is a cautionary tale for all. In regard to gambling, sports and gambling do not mix. They are too attached already. A commissioner or a league with guts would break off all the connections regardless of the financial implications. Yes, the league will lose money. But, other businesses will jump in a buy up a lot of the ad space.
I hope Ohtani is innocent. I hope, somehow, he wasn't involved and didn't make terrible decisions.
But, if Ohtani was involved in illegial gambling, or he bet on baseball, the league has to enact its harshest punishments on him.
These next days, weeks, and months, will be very interesting for the player and the sport. In no small terms, the integrity of the sport could be at stake. MLB must do the right thing here.
Again, my strongest emotion here is one of sadness. This wasn't the way to begin the 2024 MLB season...
