Manfred, Clark Say MLB Nearing New Domestic Violence Policy
RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer
CINCINNATI (AP) — Major League Baseball and the players' association say they are nearing agreement on a new domestic violence policy.
The sides have been talking since last year, following a series of high-profile domestic violence cases involving NFL players.
Baseball's collective bargaining agreement includes a voluntary treatment program for certain alcohol-related and off-field violent conduct. It also allows the commissioner or a team to impose discipline, but doesn't say of what sort, if a player is charged with a crime "involving the use of physical force or violence, including but not limited to, sexual assault, domestic violence, resisting arrest, battery, and assault."
Speaking to the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Tuesday, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said "I am certain that we will have one that we will announce shortly."
Union head Tony Clark said work still needs to be done to complete an agreement.
"We are closer than we have ever been to getting something in place that makes sense," he said. "I couldn't tell you tomorrow or the day after. I can simply tell you that we're close."
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