Did Brown Violate His Contract? Kevin Brown had surgery on his left (non-pitching) hand this weekend after breaking three bones with a punch to a clubhouse wall following an outing on Friday. Brown is expected to miss three weeks, a huge blow to a Yankees team already short on starting pitching. He has apologized to his teammates and the organization. But, did he violate his contract in committing this act of frustration?



I do not know the exact language of Brown's contract, but most player contracts contain substantial language preventing dangerous activities. Often these include riding motorcycles, skydiving, and playing other dangerous sports (i.e., pick-up football). One would think that the contract language would also prohibit self-inflicted injuries, such as punching immovable concrete walls. This could mean that the Yankees could fine Brown, or possibly even refuse to pay him for the time he spends on the disabled list. In another profession, it could mean the team could void his contract, but with the strength of the player's union, this will not be the case. Besides, despite Brown's increasing age and declining pitching ability, the Yankees need all the arms they can get. Expect to see Brown pay a moderate fine and be back on the mound in as little as a week.

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