I think the four major leagues ought to set up a joint commission - say, of retired judges - to rule on athletes who are accused of doing bad things away from the game. Then each league would retain its independence in determining what penalties their players should get for infractions committed within the sport.

In this quote, Frank Deford, a respected sportswriter and commentator, proposes a solution for addressing misconduct by athletes that occurs away from the game. He suggests the creation of a joint commission, perhaps consisting of retired judges, to handle cases where athletes are accused of unethical behavior or crimes outside their respective sports. The goal would be to have a neutral body assess these incidents and determine appropriate consequences, rather than leaving it to individual leagues or teams, which could be influenced by bias or internal pressures.

Deford's idea maintains the independence of each sports league in determining penalties for infractions that occur within the sport itself. For example, violations such as doping or rule-breaking during a game would still be handled by the individual league, allowing them to retain control over their internal disciplinary measures. The proposal aims to create a fairer and more consistent system for dealing with off-field misconduct, without infringing upon the leagues' autonomy in managing in-game behavior.

The joint commission of retired judges would provide a level of impartiality, which Deford believes is necessary for maintaining fairness when athletes are accused of actions unrelated to their sport. It could help ensure that punishment is based on the severity of the off-field actions and not influenced by the sport’s financial interests or public image concerns. This proposal reflects a desire for a more balanced approach to athlete accountability, ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary interference from the leagues themselves.

Ultimately, Frank Deford’s quote advocates for a more organized and impartial way of addressing off-field misconduct in sports while respecting the independence of each league. His proposal reflects a vision of a more transparent and equitable system where athletes are held accountable for their actions, both in and out of the game, while maintaining fairness and consistency across different sports.