In the most important start of his season Wednesday, Kenny Rogers threw two quick strikes.
Then, grabbing his ego in pain, he skulked away.
Rogers finally publicly apologized for shoving two cameramen in an infamous videotaped incident last week that earned him a 20-game suspension and $50,000 fine.
But he didn’t finish his sentences.
He said he was sorry –but didn’t say he was sorry enough to turn down an invitation to next week’s All-Star Game.
He said he had regrets — but apparently not enough to avoid making a spectacle of himself in Detroit.
The Texas Rangers pitcher walked away from the microphone after balking the remorse, bouncing his explanation in the dirt, refusing to address the only issue that mattered.
If Commissioner Bud Selig has the power to determine an All-Star Game’s outcome, then he can certainly determine its roster.
If he can personally halt a game, then he can surely halt a knucklehead from pitching in it.
Three years after declaring an All-Star no-winner, he needs to act on this All-Star no-brainer.
Allowing Rogers to pitch would be like allowing the high school valedictorian to give a speech the week after covering the gym with graffiti.
Doesn’t matter if he’s the best person for the job. Doesn’t matter if he has spent all year proving it.
The walls are still stained and the symbolism is still fresh.