In our last post, we mentioned the string of DUI arrests of Major League Baseball players that has taken place since early this year. The arrests began with Seattle infielder Adam Kennedy in January, followed by Cleveland outfielder Austin Kearns, Detroit first-baseman Miguel Cabrera, Oakland outfielder Coco Crisp, Atlanta Braves pitcher Derek Lowe, and most recently Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo.

As we mentioned last time, the MLB executive vice present and the Players Association executive director have been looking to establish a new DUI policy for over a year now. The change would likely move from an informal treatment of alcohol offenses to a more formal process of dealing with the issue. To many, the possibility of coming up with a new, more formal policy is a step in the right direction.

Under the current joint drug agreement, there are 45 performance-enhancing drugs mentioned, in addition to a number of recreational drugs. Alcohol use, however, is not specifically addressed. Over the years, alcohol issues with players have typically been dealt with as they arise.

According to sources, MLB has historically taken a much harder stance on drugs which affect on-field performance than drugs used in the privacy of a player's home. Under the current policy, a player arrested for drunk driving does not necessarily face serious consequences from the League. But the parties responsible for negotiating the League's collective bargaining agreement are now saying there will likely be discussion about formalizing the heretofore informal consequences to players in need of alcohol-related treatment

In addition to the concern of maintaining the professionalism of the League, there are also liability concerns behind the policy change.

Each team is free to enact its own rules regarding the presence and consumption of alcohol within the team. And while few players choose to completely forego alcohol use, there has already been a change of culture within the League concerning alcohol. Hopefully more positive changes will come.

Source: ESPN, "Alcohol-related issues spark debate," Jerry Crasnick, 10 May 2011.