Chicago Cubs: Who should be policing the players?

Chicago Cubs’manager Joe Maddon has been asked about the smokeless tobacco ban in Chicago and now the issue of allowing kids in the clubhouse. Is this an organizational issue for teams or a player’s decision?

Have you ever felt like the “man” was trying to hold you down? Seems like a fair question during all the election hoopla we have going on these days, but this is still a baseball site–and it’s bleeding into clubhouses across the league. And all this aside from the drama former MLB pitcher Goose Gossage stirred up about players showboating–and pitchers being unable to police it themselves.

But the most recent issues that have arisen are the smokeless tobacco ban in Chicago sports venues. The city has banned a legal substance, and it will become law in 90 days. It seems that users and non-users alike have an issue with being policed over something that isn’t illegal.

"“We’re grown men,” John Lackey said. “People in the stands can have a beer, but we can’t do what we want? That’s a little messed up.” h/t Jesse Rogers, ESPN"

The reason for the ban, which now includes San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston–is being implemented for a novel reason. The league knows that players are idolized by kids of all ages, and is trying to avoid being the reason a young child may turn to chewing tobacco. That being said, is it really up to the city to tell players that they can’t partake in a legal substance except in a few cities?

"“I’m into personal freedoms,” Maddon said. “I don’t understand the point with all that. Just eradicate tobacco period if you’re going to go that route. I’m not into over-legislating the human race, so for me I’ll just have to listen and learn.”"

Maddon was once a user but quit 15 years ago. He cites understanding the dangers of its use and feels that is the proper way to go, not telling players that they can’t do something.

That question was still rolling through the clubhouse when the news that the Chicago White Sox Adam LaRoche was retiring because the Sox told him to not bring his kid around as often as he had last year. “Dial it back” was the phrase vice president Kenny Williams used. While the organization has the right to enforce the policy, should it have ever gotten to that point?

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“I don’t think you need to draw the line, to be honest,” first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. “If all 25 guys are bringing in their kids and it’s a zoo and a circus, then you get together as a group and police it.”

Rizzo is still a kid himself compared to others, but the logic is sound. If it’s not a distraction then why change the policy now? That may be the biggest question that we won’t know the answer to till down the road. Who brought it up? New players? Coaches?

But several players from around sports supported LaRoche and his decision on Twitter:

This isn’t likely to be the last we hear of it, but hopefully any news of it doesn’t come from any issues in Chicago.