Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 16, 1994 TAG: 9403160039
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
Gant, coming off career-highs of 36 home runs and 117 RBI last season, broke his right leg Feb. 3 in a dirt-bike accident. The injury, which could sideline him until the All-Star break, came one week after he signed a $5.5 million,one-year contract.
"Since he is unavailable to perform as a result of this accident and, according to our doctors, will be rehabilitating for an extended period of time, we have decided to take this action," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "This is an unfortunate and sad day for us, but nonetheless, this is our decision."
By cutting Gant before 2 p.m., the Braves were to owe him only 30 days' termination pay, $906,593.40. Braves president Stan Kasten said the owners' Player Relations Committee had advised the team not to pay Gant at all.
Atlanta could argue that Gant violated his contract by putting himself at risk. Gant's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said this week that he would ask the Major League Baseball Players Association to file a grievance if Gant was cut, meaning an arbitrator may decide how much the Braves must pay.
The union won't decide about filing a grievance until Gant clears waivers.
"I'm not aware of any basis under the Basic Agreement of how the club could be relieved of all obligations," said Eugene Orza, the union's associate general counsel. "The PRC has had interesting theories in the past, but fortunately, from the player's interest, the theories have been more interesting than sound."
Gant, 29, has averaged almost 30 home runs, 97 RBI and 31 steals the past four years. Without him, the Braves will try to win their fourth straight division title this season with either young Tony Tarasco, Ryan Gant Klesko or Chipper Jones in Gant's spot in left field.
"I'm sad and upset," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He's going to be a tough guy to replace."
Any team can claim Gant off waivers until 2 p.m. Friday but would have to pay him his full salary. If Gant is not claimed, he is free to work out a deal with any club at any price. That includes the Braves, and Schuerholz said Atlanta might think about signing him if he is healthy.
Gant was drafted by the Braves out of high school at age 18 and has spent his entire career with them. He broke into the majors in 1987 and has 147 homers, 480 RBI and a .262 average.
"It is emotional for me thinking about not being a Brave. But I realize baseball is a business," Gant said earlier this week.
At the time of Gant's injury, the Braves said he would be out from 3-5 months. His right leg, broken in two places, was examined by team orthopedic surgeon Joe Chandler on Monday, and no change in his condition was reported.
Schuerholz and Kasten called Gant shortly before noon with their decision. Then, they met with several players to inform them.
"Being with Ronnie so long, I'm so used to looking over there to left field and seeing him, or seeing him batting ahead of me or behind me on the lineup card," David Justice said. "But the way the game is now, it's about money."
Gant's contract was the richest one-year deal in baseball history.
by CNB