Monday, May 20, 2013
Can we get the obvious out of the way first? What Drake Britton allegedly did in the early hours of Saturday morning in southwest Florida was beyond stupid. What words can describe getting behind the wheel of a truck after drinking and then reach speeds of over 100 mph, weaving in and out of traffic?
Illegal. Irresponsible. Potentially (but thankfully not in this case) lethal.
You can read the story about the arrest of Britton, a top Red Sox pitching prospect who wore a Portland Sea Dogs uniform last year.
The Red Sox released a statement that they take the matter "very seriously, and it is being addressed."
How will the Red Sox address it?
Britton has already been sent from major league spring training camp to the minors, joining the Sea Dogs. But there has to be more than that.
The Red Sox should suspend Britton and get him the help he needs. If he doesn't think he needs help, CONVINCE him that he does.
Britton is not a demon. Those in Portland who got to know him a little can attest to his friendliness and his determination to revive a career that was struggling.
That said, what Britton was arrested for was not just a "mistake." It was egregious.
Being a major league pitching prospect makes you a public figure. The Red Sox and Britton have to be open about what they are doing to remedy this situation.
Last summer, Britton showed that he could turn his career around. Now he needs to turn his life around.
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Kevin Thomas covers baseball and basketball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 after working for the St. Petersburg Times. He is married to Nancy and they have nine children.
Follow his thoughts on the Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs on Clearing the Bases
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