Wittels Cleared to Play

Florida International shortstop Garret Wittels was cleared to play earlier this week, although there is still an unresolved rape charge associated with him, two other men, and a 17 year old girl, regarding an incident in the Bahama Islands on Dec. 20th, 2010. Although the Bahama Islands system of filing charges is slightly different then ours, in that less probable cause is required, I still think its inappropriate for him to play until the charge is resolved. The situation seems all too similar to countless others involving stars, alcohol, and young women (See Roethlisberger, Kobe). Yet, Wittels will suit up for the season opener on National TV (ESPN 3) this Friday against Southeastern Louisiana. Wittels was named the preseason Sun Belt Conference player of the year, and his hitting streak has created a lot of draft buzz. Many disagree with FIU's decision to play him, and I definitely agree. With Wittels 2 games from tying Robin Ventura's 58 game hit streak, FIU is clearly trying to publicize both the school and profit off the media coverage. The guy seems like a scumbag, and while he says he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, it's very hard to believe that story. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go 0-4 on Friday.