Stunned Lugo in limbo: Estranged Astro embarrassed by turn of events
I don't think we should turn our back on this kid because of an alleged mistake that we don't know happened. We don't know what happened or might have happened. I just told the guys that if (Lugo) needed anything to give me a call. I don't care to know the details of what happened. I think he should be given some respect in the fact that we all make mistakes. I believe in the spirit of repentance and in the spirit of forgiveness.
- Jeff Kent
We still don't know Julio Lugo's side of the story, but most people in the Houston area have already tried and convicted Lugo in their own mind. Perhaps he is guilty of exactly what has been reported. There is also the possiblity that, as he has said, that things have been blown out of proportion. Are we to simply cast him aside because of what the media has reported? Apparently, that is the policy of his employers, the Houston Astros.
The more I think about it, in spite of the pronouncements of owner Drayton McLane and GM Gerry Hunsicker, the decision to cut Lugo loose is about PR. McLane and Hunsicker probably don't know much more about the facts of what took place than you or I, but they certainly didn't waste any time in cutting ties with Lugo.
I'm not going to sit here and justify what Lugo may or may not have done. It would seem that, given that he is a young kid who probably made a serious mistake, that the Astros would at least show enough compassion to get him some help. Sadly, it was just easier for the Astros to simply wash their hands of the matter. McLane and Hunsicker may view their actions as standing up for their principles, but to me it reeks of pandering to public opinion. That is what I find so despicable.
