Well, I doubt we have all the details.
The CBA does require a player notify the team prior to consulting his own physician, but the Yankees are allegedly complaining Ellsbury sought unapproved medical opinions. There is a difference between notification and approval. Did Ellsbury properly notify the Yankees or not? And is the reason for this notification because of the team’s responsibility to pay for the travel, lodging, and medical expenses involved (which per the CBA, they are responsible for)? If so, what if Ellsbury wasn’t looking for reimbursement?
Is Ellsbury the first player ever to handle his own rehab? Probably not, but it does seem like he is the first to be penalized for it.
Plenty of players milk their injuries or make little to no attempt to get better. Ellsbury was at least doing something along those lines. If he had simply done nothing and sat out, he might be better off.
And does the CBA have any clauses for what is acceptable punishment for transgressions for outside medical opinions? Or for withholding salary? Is what the Yankees trying to do legal here?