Will the MLB make an Example out of Rodriguez?

For years, the professional leagues have failed to take a hard stance on domestic abuse incidents with their players. Instead, the leagues seem to focus on the illegalities of steroids, marijuana, and, oh yeah, dog fighting. Well, after last night's arrest of New York Mets player Francisco Rodriguez, maybe the tides have turned (yet, I wouldn't bet on it).

Last night, Rodriguez was arrested and charged with assault after injuring his father-in-law in an altercation at Citi Field. Rodriguez was immediately charged with third degree assault, because this incident falls within the domestic violence laws of NY state, which permit the state to impose assault charges in a domestic violence situation regardless of whether the victim chooses to press charges.

The cause of the fight is still unknown. Rodriguez did not play in the Mets loss, so the incident likely involves a personal issue.

Rodriguez has a history of confrontations with various individuals in the league, yet none reaching the level of this altercation with his father-in-law and none resulting in any type of sanction. Although, this situation does not involve a typical domestic abuse altercation, as Rodriguez's wife was not involved, it is important to see how the MLB and the Mets respond.