MLB Player's Association On New Arizona Law

Arizona has created a firestorm both in the United States and outside it with the passage of it's new racist law. The law would force Arizona police officers to engage in racial profiling (or risk being sued by anyone in the state), and it would also force American citizens to carry identity papers (or risk going to jail for up to six months). Now Major League Baseball is entering the fray.

Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendricks (who has a history of donating to Republican candidates - many of whom are responsible for the racist law) is refusing to take a position on the law. I think he's afraid of a boycott, no matter which side he comes down on. He says it would be unfair for the team to take a position because it could not be reflective of everyone's views. Sounds like he's just worried about his pocketbook.

But the Major League Baseball Player's Association (MLBPA) has no problem with taking a position on the controversial law. They have bravely taken a stand for equality and racial justice. And lest anyone say differently, they do have a dog in this fight (since over a quarter of Major League players are Hispanics). Here is what the MLBPA had to say:

“The recent passage by Arizona of a new immigration law could have a negative impact on hundreds of Major League players who are citizens of countries other than the United States. These international players are very much a part of our national pastime and are important members of our Association. Their contributions to our sport have been invaluable, and their exploits have been witnessed, enjoyed and applauded by millions of Americans. All of them, as well as the Clubs for whom they play, have gone to great lengths to ensure full compliance with federal immigration law.

“The impact of the bill signed into law in Arizona last Friday is not limited to the players on one team. The international players on the Diamondbacks work and, with their families, reside in Arizona from April through September or October. In addition, during the season, hundreds of international players on opposing Major League teams travel to Arizona to play the Diamondbacks. And, the spring training homes of half of the 30 Major League teams are now in Arizona. All of these players, as well as their families, could be adversely affected, even though their presence in the United States is legal. Each of them must be ready to prove, at any time, his identity and the legality of his being in Arizona to any state or local official with suspicion of his immigration status. This law also may affect players who are U.S. citizens but are suspected by law enforcement of being of foreign descent.

“The Major League Baseball Players Association opposes this law as written. We hope that the law is repealed or modified promptly. If the current law goes into effect, the MLBPA will consider additional steps necessary to protect the rights and interests of our members.

“My statement reflects the institutional position of the Union. It was arrived at after consultation with our members and after consideration of their various views on this controversial subject.”

NOTE -- The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is scheduled to be played at the Diamondback's facility in 2011. Rep. Jose Serrano (D-New York) has already suggested that the game be moved to another state. That might be a possibility if the law is not quickly declared to be unconstitutional and quashed by the courts.