The best thing an airline can do for an alcoholic pilot is find them an appropriate ground job.
Well that's one opinion. And I might even agree with it under narrowly defined circumstances involving individuals with a chronic problem. Conversely, many people committing alcohol related offenses aren't necessarily "alcoholics" unless the meaning of the term is broadened to include a whole set of behaviors related to alcohol consumption that do not fall within the clinical definition of alcoholism. I've long observed that the clinical, legal and colloquial usages of the word are not the same and are widely misused within society.
In my opinion it all comes down to how the terminology is used and in what context.
As for this latest accused pilot, I think it would be more appropriate if this stuff was handled with more discretion at least until such time as they are convicted of a criminal offense. It just seems more civilized.
westhawk