NEW YORK – Major League Baseball unveiled its first comprehensive domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
The agreement announced jointly Friday by the commissioner's office and the players' union has been in the works since last year, following high-profile domestic violence cases involving NFL players.
The policy covers treatment and intervention, education, investigation and discipline of players.
Commissioner Rob Manfred is given discretion for determining the length of player punishment for "just cause" — there are no maximum or minimum penalties prescribed. He also can suspend a player with pay while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Players can appeal any discipline to an arbitration panel comprised of a representative of each party and an independent arbitrator.
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