Manny Ramirez, Jose’ Canseco, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Bobby Cox are some of the many professional athletes in baseball that have been charged with domestic violence at least once. Despite the charge, some of them continued to have careers in the game after paying penalties. Also on that list is the newly acquired Houston Astros pitcher Roberto Osuna, who was charged for a May 8, 2018, assault against the mother of his three-year-old son, Alejandra Roman Cota. Like the others listed, Osuna was charged, took a deal, and continues to play ball. While other athletes, like Collin Kaepernick, get blackballed completely for simply exercising their rights that all Americans have. What do these actions say about the stance that professional sports organizations have about domestic violence?

Osuna’s deal included a $500 fine, 75 game suspension, continued counseling, and a one-year peace agreement to stay away from Cota. The couple will continue to co-parent their son. And Osuna still gets to play ball because although he took this deal, he says it is not an admission of guilt. In fact, Osuna was almost like rewarded when he was traded to the Houston Astros since no other team wanted him and his baggage. However, the Astros gave off the impression that his domestic violence past didn’t matter as long as he produced winning results for the ball club. The Astros made an attempt to show sensitivity towards the topic of domestic violence by donating large sums of money to various nonprofits that support domestic violence. Great way to get involved in the community but it doesn’t erase the thoughts the public opinion has about the team in regards to domestic violence.

In recent days with all the attention on the World Series 2019 Champion hopefuls Astros, a new light was cast on the team when the Astros GM Brandon Taubman said some controversial remarks in the direction of a group of female reporters who clearly were domestic violence advocates. Taubman’s remarks were in support of Osuna but were not warranted, as Osuna has not been the major producer of success for the Astros since being signed so why in the world was he getting praise from Taubman? And that’s the million dollar question.

In an official statement, Taubman said he was embarrassed by his remarks and he was sorry. “ I realize that my comments were unprofessional and inappropriate,” commented Taubman. Followed by Astros owner Jim Crane’s comments, “The Astros continue to be committed to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence.” The ball club has donated over $300K to various domestic violence agencies.

That’s all good but more needs to be done towards the players who are abusers. Why have a league domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy that gives violators a slap on the wrist? Domestic violence is a crime and violators should be treated like those who commit crimes instead of these light sentences where they are allowed to continue in their violent ways and shedding a bad light on the organizations they represent.

Now instead of basking in the glory of the World Series, the Astros have to balance their positive publicity with the negative light of domestic violence. While you have this national platform, Astros do something big to shine a light on domestic violence and really be the all-stars all Houstonians know that you are. In the same light, professional athletic organizations need to do the same to hold athletes more accountable for their actions.

Update

Since the printing of this story Astros GM Brandon Taubman has been fired as a result of his actions. He was held accountable.

Domestic Violence Resources

One in four women have experienced domestic violence. Don’t suffer in silence. Get the help you need.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-SAFE(7233)

Hotlines – 24 hours a day Houston Area Women’s Center

Domestic Violence Hotline: 713-528-2121

Toll Free Line: 800-256-0551

Rape Crisis Hotline: 713-528-7273

Toll Free Line: 1-800-256-0661

Office: 713-528-6798

TTY: 713-528-3625

Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center

(Humble) 281-446-2615

Safe shelter for battered women and children (boys up to age 14). Counseling and referrals provided to shelter residents.

Fort Bend Women’s Center

(Richmond) 281-342-4357

Safe shelter for battered women and children (under 18 years of age). Counseling and referrals provided to shelter residents.

Women’s Center of Brazoria County

(Angleton) 800-243-5788 (Crisis Line)

or 979-849-9553 (Main Office)

Safe shelter for battered women and children (under 18 years of age). Counseling and referrals provided to shelter residents.

The Montrose Center

401 Branard Street

Houston, Texas 77006

(713) 529-0037 (main phone line, business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.)

(713) 526-4367 (fax)

(713) 529-3211 (LGBT Switchboard 24-Hour Helpline)

This organization provides rental living space, resources, and programs for local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their loved ones. Programs provided by the Montrose Center include counseling, medical help, support groups, educational workshops, local events and community-building.

Non-Residential Programs for Victims of Abuse Legal Assistance – HPD/Family Violence Unit

713-308-1100

Provides services for all domestic violence incidents that take place within the city limits. Will file charges and take statements in cases of domestic violence and provides short-term crisis counseling and referral. Women should be prepared to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours at unit. Witnesses can make statements in person or they can write a statement and have it notarized for the survivor to take with them.

Harris County Constable’s Office

281-376-3472

Provides services for all domestic violence incidents that take place within the Constable’s jurisdiction. Victim’s assistance office will investigate all complaints of domestic violence and assist survivors with filing charges.

Harris County Sheriff’s Family Violence Unit

713-967-5743

Provides services for all domestic violence incidents that take place within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Victim’s assistance office will investigate all complaints of domestic violence and assist survivors with filing charges.

Legal Assistance for Immigrant Battered Women:

Petitioning for U.S. residency under the Violence Against Women Act. Battered women who are non-residents, but married to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents can now petition the courts to obtain residency without their spouse’s assistance.

YMCA International Services

713-339-9015

Assists battered immigrant women who are interested in applying for residency. Provides services for victims of human trafficking.

Salvation Army Family Residence

(713) 650-6530

1603 McGowen

Houston, TX 77004

Population and Eligibility:

Accepts homeless women who have children. Walk-ins are OK.

Description/Comments: Adults and children participate in classes and counseling to provide tools, so that the family can return to independence.

Facility Location: Central

Northwest Assistance Ministries

(281) 885-4673

15555 Kuykendahl Road

Houston, TX 77090