Selig: MLB, players union to meet this week to 'thoroughly discuss' domestic abuse policy

The issue of domestic violence, and the way the instances of it are handled (or mishandled) by major professional sports institutions, has come to a head in the past week.

With the NFL's chickens coming home to roost and public scrutiny at an all-time high, Major League Baseball – and commissioner Bud Selig – are taking steps to keep their own house clean. 

The league has scheduled meetings with its players' union this week to try and hammer out a decisive new policy regarding domestic abuse, as Selig told USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

"I constantly say that baseball is a social institution with very important social responsibilities,'' Selig said. "Domestic violence is one of the worst forms of societal conduct. We understand the responsibility of baseball to quickly and firmly address off-field conduct by our players, even potentially in situations in which the criminal justice system does not do so.

"I am proud that baseball disciplinary standards have changed over time, as is evidenced by our drug program, to ensure we are handling such situations sensitively and firmly in the manner expected by our fans, while at the same time providing due process to those accused of wrongdoing.

"We are meeting with the Players Association this week to thoroughly discuss the issue of domestic violence, and how it should be addressed under our Basic Agreement going forward."

The 80-year-old Selig, who's been in office since 1992, will retire as league commissioner at season's end.