Op-Ed submission: Matthew York ’12

     For the first time in over 15 years, the Cincinnati Reds headed to the MLB postseason, but a harmless celebration became an annoying distraction took away from the Red’s glory.  Since November of 2006, when the smoking ban in Ohio was put into place, there has not been an issue with the Reds organization about a violation of this law, until now. On September 28^th, the Reds clinched the National League Central Division, thus ensuring a position in the postseason.

     What most people didn’t realize was that as the celebration went on in the clubhouse, people were not happy with the acts of the players. Everyone in Cincinnati was in jubilation, as the Reds tasted success. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, five individuals contacted the statewide smoking ban complaint hotline, raising concerns that the Reds were in direct violation of the smoking ban. These individuals were worried about the smoking in the clubhouse and wanted the Reds to be justified for this act.

     In accordance with the Ohio Department of Health, when this ban was put into place, an estimated 280,000 public places and places of employment were affected. Since Hamilton County owns Great American Ballpark, it is a public facility, which means that smoking isn’t allowed within the confines of the stadium, including the clubhouse. Even though the public isn’t granted entrance to the clubhouse, it was still built using the revenue of Hamilton County. Even though the public isn’t granted access to the clubhouse, it was still built using the revenue of Hamilton Country, which means no smoking whatsoever. Did the players, coaches, and owners, including Bob Castellini, know that they were breaking the law when the lit up their cigars? Chances are, they didn’t.

       Now poses the real question. Were the actions of the Reds after winning that game truly deserving of punishment. No. When the players popped the champagne bottles and lit their cigars, the intentions were to have a good time and relax, not cause problems.

     Another important thing to remember is that the smoking was made because of a high demand of non-smokers who were sick of smelling smoke while they ate at a restaurant, not to prevent a celebration that seems to come about every 15 years. Before the ban was implemented, a person could object to smoke in a public place by leaving. Everyone in the clubhouse upheld this same guideline that night. If they didn’t want to be exposed to the smoke, they would’ve left or gone to a place where no one was smoking.

     As seen on T.V during the festivities, all players were either smoking or tolerating the smoking. In my opinion, the people who called in to complain weren’t complaining because of the health risks of the players. They called in because they didn’t want their children or loved ones to be influenced by this scene. In hindsight, the Reds are deserving of the $100 fine for a first offense of this law, but the success of their season shouldn’t be tainted by the unwarranted concern. Smoking in public places is illegal. Everyone in Ohio should understand that.

     It should also be understood that the staff of the Reds broke this law in a victimless manner and should be forgiven for it without doubt. Lessons should be learned from this because eventually, a Cincinnati, or even Ohio sports team is going to have success at a high level. When this does happen, the law needs to be upheld but also altered so that we don’t have an ignominy like this again. The smoke has cleared, but let’s not spoil future celebrations.