MLB Fires Arbitrator Shyam Das

Major League Baseball management has made the decision to fire Shyam Das, the arbitrator who overturned the suspension of Ryan Braun in February. This was the story of Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers testing positive for drugs. The decision to suspend him was changed by Das due to the sample not being delivered to the lab in a timely manner. The collector stored Braun's sample in his basement over the weekend. Last week, MLB management notified Das and the players' association of their decision to let him go. Since 1999, Das has held his position as baseball's permanent arbitrator. "Shyam is the longest-tenured panel chair in our bargaining relationship," union head Michael Weiner said. "For 13 years, from the beginning to the end of his tenure, he served the parties with professionalism and distinction." Baseball's collective bargaining agreement states that an arbitrator may be dismissed by the players' association or MLB management at any time provided there is written notice. "I had the distinct privilege to serve as chair of the MLB-MLBPA arbitration panel for almost 13 years," Das said in an email to The Associated Press. "I have the greatest respect for the representatives of both parties I worked with during that period, and I wish the parties well in their ongoing relationship." There will now be a selection process for a successor. If the sides are unable to agree, baseball's collective bargaining agreement requires them to refer to the American Arbitration Association for a list of "prominent, professional arbitrators." The sides will then proceed to strike names from the list until they are left with one to take the position. Being released from his MLB duties "does not impact his role at an arbitrator for our CBA," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.