Lew's View: Alex Rodriguez's bonus backlash

Lew Leone is the vice president and general manager of WNYW-FOX 5. He is taking to the airwaves with his thoughts on current affairs. It's called "Lew's View." The views expressed are not necessarily those of the station or its employees. In this commentary, Mr. Leone has a pitch for the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez.

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Last week Alex Rodriguez passed Willie Mays on the all-time home run list. That should have meant that the Yankees owe him $6 million which he is supposed to get for passing each player above him on the list.

The Yankees contend that they will not pay A-Rod due to his violations of MLB rules and suspension for the full 2014 season. So far A-Rod hasn't gone public with his demands for payment and he has been on his best behavior. However, you know this will eventually become an issue and a distraction for the Yankees, the fans and A-Rod.

I have a win-win-win proposal for all parties involved in this dispute.

In 1982 George Steinbrenner and his good friend James Fuchs founded the Silver Shield Foundation, which helps the children of local police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty pay for their education. Unfortunately the Silver Shield Foundation has been called to action all too often in the past year and can use more support.

Why not take the $6 million that the Yankees owe for the bonus and gift it to the Silver Shield Foundation on behalf of A-Rod and allow Alex to take the gift as a tax deduction?

This way the Yankees make good on their deal. A-Rod honors the legacy of the late George Steinbrenner while paying his respect to the families of police and firefighters. And the fans can enjoy the fact that some good came out of this messy situation.

Please let me know if you agree by participating in our poll on the Fox 5 Facebook page and we'll send the results to the Yankees and A-Rod: CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE POLL

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