@ Steve Lombardi:

I don’t think it’s a political issue, I think it’s a practical one. Yes, it would be better if people did the right thing, but unfortunately, they often don’t. Otherwise, this wouldn’t be such a societal problem. The question then becomes: what do we do with them?

My view is that if we are going to make it a one and done offense, we ought to give people notice of such right now.

@ Rich: I’m not going to get into a political debate with you on this one. But, I still feel that there’s no excuse for electing to DUI. Call a cab. Walk. Get a ride from a sober friend. To anything but get behind the wheel of a car while your under the influence. It’s really not that hard to avoid DUI.

@ Steve Lombardi:

Yet they still do, and they should pay a price. Then what? Is redemption possible? If so, in some sense they are being excused. Or should it be one and done? If you’re convicted, you can never drive again? Yet the perpetrators of serous crimes that require intent (DUI is reckless) often get a second chance.

See, it’s not so simple.

“Baseball needs a backbone regarding DUIs.”

It ain’t just baseball…

Rich wrote:

I’m not sure what inexcusable means in practical terms…

It’s pretty f’ing simple: If you’ve been drinking, then don’t drive.

Imagine Wade Boggs? Dear God.

The stunning thing is that sports teams used to think nothing of stocking the clubhouse and locker rooms with beer for the boys to throw down after a long game, and letting their players drive themselves home afterward.

Somewhere in the last 20-30 years, someone realized how foolish an idea that was, and sans the occasional locker room celebration, we’ve learned alcohol is no longer readily available in clubhouses.

I’m not sure what inexcusable means in practical terms, but if he actually did it (which is far from certain), like most people who have transgressed, he deserves a second chance.

“As I have mentioned before, DUI is a terrible, terrible, crime – in my opinion. It’s inexcusable.”

I think this is something we can all agree on. Totally inexcusable.