No Punishment for White Sox's Blow-Up Dolls

It seems the White Sox' blow-up doll controversy will deflate without any real repercussion (aside from maybe karma). According to the Chicago Sun-Times, officials from the commissioner's office contacted the White Sox to discuss the incident but have decided not to levy any punishment, which seems to suit GM Ken Williams just fine:

"I will assure Major League Baseball that the doll was not violated in any way, shape or form," Williams said. "In all seriousness, it is a little bit of a disappointment because we have proactively tried to -- and just did so this spring training -- organizationally, we brought in some people to discuss a better work environment, whether it's gender issues or racial issues.

"I don't know what a formal apology on behalf of the club is going to do, other than me assuring everyone we are on top of it and we addressed the issue."

Williams is half right: a formal apology won't mean jack if the fans don't think it's sincere, and Williams' glib comment about dolls being violated suggests he thinks this is a joke. There's a misconception that the clubhouse is some kind of sacred boys club where "guys can be guys" which is completely naive: the clubhouse is a working environment for dozens of people (including trainers, attendants and members of the media) who never put on a uniform. Some people have suggested that the team's biggest mistake was allowing this to become public, but that's just as asinine: it's like saying racial jokes are fine when only told in the company of white people. You don't have to be female to disapprove of misogyny.

Previously on FanHouse:
MLB Is Investigating the White Sox and Their Blow-Up Dolls
Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's Ozzie Guillen's Sex Toys