Ah, yes, it's the oldest story in the book. Guy goes out for a few cocktails to unwind, forgets to arrange for a designated driver and then figures, what the hell, it's only a few miles to the house, I'll hop in the ol' 2004 BMW and drive home, I'm sure everything will be fine, my reflexes are actually better after drinking because I'm paying closer attention!
Guy then crashes into a fence and flees the scene on foot because, after all, he had a few too many, finishes off his Big Adventure by roughing up a neighbor, then manages to avoid authorities for nearly two months before they figure out where he works and issue an arrest warrant for him at his place of business.
All this happened to former St. Louis Cardinal Scott Spiezio, who ran afoul of the law on December 30 and was released by the Cards February 27 after the team learned of the outstanding warrant.
I know, I know, innocent until proven guilty, blah, blah, blah. Is there anyone who really believes it didn't happen pretty much exactly as written?
The warrant was withdrawn after Spiezio's attorney appeared in court, and Spiezio himself is now due in court March 26 for arraignment on charges of driving under the influence, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more, hit and run, aggravated assault, and assault and battery.
Spiezio's attorney was quick to point out the charges are "misdemeanors," all five of them, although according to the Associated Press the maximum possible penalty would be two years in state prison.
The Cardinals cut bait quickly, undoubtedly reasoning it's not worth dealing with the thorny legal problems of a utility infielder when there are plenty of them around who aren't facing two years in the big house. And it's not like this is Spiezio's first brush with substance abuse. He missed nearly half the season last year, partially due to treatment for that exact issue.
The incredible part of the whole story is this: The St. Louis organization is responsible for Scott Spiezio's entire $2.3 million salary for this season, plus they're on the hook for a $100,000 buyout of the option they held on his contract for next year, meaning he gets free money, millions of dollars worth of free money, thanks to his alleged reckless and dangerous behavior.
I work in a career field where I am subject to drug and alcohol testing. If I am caught in an impaired state, my employer is obligated contractually to offer me rehabilitation at my own expense, provided I agree to some fairly rigid restrictions.
Assuming I successfully complete rehab, if I then test positive again - ever - or am involved in a situation like Scott Spiezio's, guess what happens to me? Here's a hint: It involves looking for gainful employment Super-Sizing french fries, and without any million-dollar golden parachute, either.
I don't begrudge Scott Spiezio whatever money he can make by playing baseball. If he's good enough to be one of the 750 or so best in the world at his job, good luck to him.
But ask yourself this: How long would you have to work in your career field to earn $2.4 million (Just so you don't have to strain too hard, if you make $50,000 a year, a pretty decent salary, it will take you 48 years to get there), and now picture Spiezio getting punished for running away from an accident in which he was driving imparied, then beating up his neighbor, by being handed $2.4 million.
Oh, sure, he's going to suffer some embarrassment. But if you think Scott Spiezio will serve any jail time you're crazy, and if some team thinks he can help them win, he'll be right back in a major league dugout once this mess goes away. Hopefully it won't be in your city, though, because the next time he decides to hop in the ol' Bimmer and drive home trashed, your son or daughter could be walking to school.
Hey everyone, I know it must seem like I've dropped off the face of the earth, but it's nothing like that.
I've been busy writing - two full-length novels so far, plus over a dozen short stories - and working hard to try to get an agent. If you are curious and have a few minutes, check out my website, www.allanleve rone.com.
If you're a literary agent or if you know one, by all means contact me! In the meantime, I'll be here when I can - love this forum - and as always, thank you for checking out my blog, especially considering how many great ones you could be reading instead....
