If Baseball is America's pastime, then it needs to stand for America's principles, which embrace inclusion and not exclusion. At a time when player behavior is under the microscope and the media and public think of so many players are having problems when it is really only a small percentage, those few have to be held accountable. It is in the interest of players themselves to sanction the few who inflict either physical or psychic pain on others. It is hard for white writers, fans, and players to understand the pain caused when racist barbs are thrown into the public domain in the way Rocker put them out there. As a white man, I have the privilege of not having my racial identity and sense of welcome challenged regularly.
People of color can have that happen every day.
So many people of color have been the victims of subtle and not so subtle forms of racism that even innocent acts can be perceived as racist. Bud Selig was right and Shyam Das was wrong. That being said, Rocker is back. The Braves may ultimately keep him or trade him. I like to make the best of situations even when they are bad.