Category Archives: Crime

January 19, 2021

Porter Punted

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The Mets fired Jared Porter early this morning over the harassment allegations against him.

Team owner Steve Cohen announced Porter’s firing on Twitter. The 41-year-old Porter lasted only 37 days on the job.
“We have terminated Jared Porter this morning,” Cohen tweeted. “In my initial press conference I spoke about the importance of integrity and I meant it. There should be zero tolerance for this type of behavior.”
NYPost.com

The Mets were correct not to wait. MLB started an investigation into the matter, with a suspension likely.

No matter what changes at the Mets, they always seem to wind up on the losing side. This is the second year in a row a high-level hire had to leave before the start of the season.

January 19, 2021

Porter’s Penis

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ESPN breaks a story about Jared Porter, new GM of the Mets, allegedly harassing a female report in 2016 via text messages. Those text included a naked, aroused penis. ESPN has the texts and the pictures, and Porter acknowledged the incident:

The woman, a foreign correspondent who had moved to the United States to cover Major League Baseball, said at one point she ignored more than 60 messages from Porter before he sent the final lewd photo. The text relationship started casually before Porter, then the Chicago Cubs director of professional scouting, began complimenting her appearance, inviting her to meet him in various cities and asking why she was ignoring him. And the texts show she had stopped responding to Porter after he sent a photo of pants featuring a bulge in the groin area.
Porter continued texting her anyway, sending dozens of messages despite the lack of a response. On Aug. 11, 2016, a day after asking her to meet him at a hotel in Los Angeles, Porter sent the woman 17 pictures. The first 15 photos were of the hotel and its restaurants. The 16th was the same as an earlier photo of the bulge in the pants. The 17th was of a bare penis.
ESPN.com

I suspect Porter won’t be GM much longer. If nothing else, MLB will likely suspend him. At lot of the positivity of the Mets season just got drained away.

December 21, 2020

I Had to Pay $50 and Pick Up the Garbage

South Side Sox appears unhappy about the penalty handed to Tony La Russa, and the White Sox actions in light of that.

The penalty for driving drunk, as a repeat offender, in a “strict” state such as Arizona, has today been revealed: one day of house arrest, $1,383 …
… and untold bad publicity and embarrassment for your employer.
Of course, the White Sox would need to have an awareness of such things to feel embarrassment over this fatuous hire.
SouthSideSox.com

La Russa did talk about his drinking:

La Russa: "I know I don't have a drinking problem, just like I know I made a serious mistake in February. Where I am right now is to prove I don't have a drinking problem and to prove it every day off the field that I'm going to handle it."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) December 21, 2020

We know what a real drinking problem looks like:

December 13, 2020

La Russa Guilty

Here’s the latest on Tony La Russa’s DUI:

Tony La Russa reached an agreement to plead guilty to charges stemming from his drunk driving arrest.

A day in jail is typical for DUI offenses, per a spokesperson, but it'll be decided at a Dec. 21 hearing if it's necessary for his reckless driving plea. https://t.co/X3b7NTrN85
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 13, 2020

He agreed to plead guilty to reckless driving, as opposed to driving under the influence. We will see how the White Sox handle this.

December 1, 2020

Plea Change

The AP reports Tony La Russa will change his not guilty plea to drunk driving charges, but it doesn’t say what the change will be.

November 28, 2020

Strip Mining

Tommy Pham filed a lawsuit against the strip club near where he suffered a stab wound last month:

Earlier this week Pham filed a lawsuit against Pacers Showgirls International, the strip club where the stabbing occurred, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The lawsuit alleges he suffered “catastrophic injuries, which have and will continue to cause him significant economic damage, including but not limited to his earning capacity as an elite professional baseball player.”
CBSSports.com

At the time, Pham thought he would be back to his training routine in no time. Maybe the injury is more serious than he thought. With the non-tender deadline coming up, and Pham coming off a poor season, he might be hedging his options here.

November 10, 2020

La Russa Caught Again

It appears Tony La Russa still drinks and drives:

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa was charged with driving under the influence after he allegedly ran his car into a curb in February, leaving it smoking on the side of a Phoenix-area road, according to court records obtained by ESPN.
It is the second known drunken driving arrest for La Russa, who in 2007 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI in Jupiter, Florida.
ESPN.com

The 2007 arrest was in the back of my mind when the White Sox hired La Russa, but it seemed unfair to hold a thirteen year old mistake against him when nothing else had happened. La Russa was quoted in 2007 as saying, “this will never occur again.”

The White Sox were aware of the incident at the time of the hiring.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, high level professional athlete have the means to hire a driver, and it’s easier than ever with modern driving services. Don’t drive yourself if you’re going to have a drink.

October 24, 2020

Tension over Pension

Orioles GM Mike Elias, who worked for the Astros during their cheating scandal, may have a scandal of his own:

The Orioles pension scandal centers on Elias’ decision to give Holt benefits for which he was likely ineligible. Under the joint agreement between the MLB owners and the Players Association, only four coaches can be designated by the clubs for the pension plan, as well as the licensing money. Earlier this year, it was learned that Elias had designated Holt as one of the Orioles coaches to be placed on the plan, even though Holt is not listed as a coach for the Orioles, wasn’t with the team all year and was not even given a uniform number. He reportedly spent much of his time working in their minor league complex in Bowie, Md.
NYDailyNews.com

We shall see if this was indeed fraud, and if Elias ends up with a suspension.

October 16, 2020

Skaggs Indictment

Eric Kay, formerly an employee of the Angels, was indicted in the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs:

Returned late Thursday and filed Friday morning in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, the indictment charges Kay with distributing the fentanyl that resulted in Skaggs’ death last year.
“On or about June 30, 2019 … Eric Prescott Kay, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and the use of said substance resulted in the death and serious bodily injury of [Skaggs],” the indictment said.
LATimes.com

More sadness to a tragic story.

October 12, 2020

Pham Under the Knife

Tommy Pham of the Padres suffered a stab wound on Sunday:

According to two people who spoke with Pham, the incident happened when Pham was leaving an establishment and came upon an argument occurring near his car. According to one of the people, an altercation eventually ensued after Pham asked the people involved in the argument, who he did not know, to get away from his car.
“We are aware of the incident last night involving Tommy Pham,” the Padres said in a statement. “He was treated at UC San Diego Health and is currently in good condition. He is expected to make a full recovery. The San Diego Police Department is actively investigating the incident and we will have no further comment at this time.”
SanDiegoUnionTribune.com

Here’s wishing Pham a speedy recovery.

October 6, 2020

Dyson Accusations

At the Athletic, Alexis Blackburn, ex-girlfriend of pitcher Sam Dyson, tells her story of abuse.

October 4, 2020

Haeger Found Dead

Former pitcher Charlie Haeger appears to have killed himself Saturday. Police sought him as the prime suspect in the death of Danielle Breed, Haeger’s girlfriend:

Officials said Haeger was found dead of an self-inflicted gunshot wound along the Rim Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon around 4 p.m., according to police.
Haeger was a former professional baseball player and played for a number of teams throughout his career, including the Boston Red Sox, the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners. His major league baseball career ended in 2010.
AZCentral.com

My thoughts go out to both their families and friends. What a terrible tragedy.

Haeger did not last long in the majors, finishing with just 83 innings pitched, 6.4 BB per 9 IP, and a 6.40 ERA.

September 12, 2020

Must Be Third and Long

The Pirates at the Royals game may be delayed or postponed due to a shooter at Arrowhead Stadium, part of the Truman Sports Complex. Kauffman Stadium is right next door. So far, no one is hurt.

August 7, 2020

Skaggs Complaint

Eric Kay faces a criminal complaint tangentially associated with the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs:

The complaint, filed last week in Fort Worth, Texas., does not charge Kay with a crime, but supports an arrest warrant for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, a potent painkiller that has led to thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S.
SI.com

We will see where this leads.

July 10, 2020

Bubble Trouble

Blue Jays players are confused about their Toronto bubble rules. They thought they would need to quarantine for two weeks, but a TSN report seems to indicate they will be confined for the duration:

Mitchell’s report seemed to indicate the players need to be in the bubble all summer, which was a surprise to at least one Toronto player. Third baseman Travis Shaw quote tweeted Mitchell’s report Friday and claimed the players were told the bubble rule would be in place for just two weeks, which would align with the country’s order.
SportingNews.com

The horrible thing is, they could go to jail if they leave. I thought Canadians were nicer than that.

Might I suggest that there is a fairly new minor league stadium in Hartford, CT, just down the road from me. Blue Jays, come play there and you probably won’t get arrested. Plus, if you start allowing fans, I can get to a game easily!

June 22, 2020

Ortiz Restrained

Fary Fernandez, mother of David Ortiz’s son, filed a restraining order against the slugger.

According to terms of the order, Ortiz must refrain from “annoying, intimidating or threatening” Fernandez via in person or by phone.
YardBarker.com

Three years ago, the Red Sox decided to change the name of the road in front of the stadium from Yawkey Way. At the time, I suggested they return it to Jersey Street.

So how about going back to Jersey Street instead of after another celebrity? It will save future embarrassment if that person turns out to be disliked by future generations.
BaseballMusings.com

One of the celebrities under consideration at the time was David Ortiz. The city did the right thing and returned the street to the former name. We’ll see how this goes for Ortiz, but the David Ortiz bridge might be in trouble.

June 5, 2020

Ozuna Abused

Marcell Ozuna allegedly was a victim of domestic abuse:

SLATER SCOOP: Braves OF Marcell Ozuna recently suffered a facial injury after his wife allegedly hit him with a soap dish, sources say.

Ozuna's wife, Genesis, was arrested after a 2-week police investigation and charged with domestic battery.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) June 5, 2020

He suffered a small laceration. I’m glad it wasn’t worse.

February 12, 2020

Never Work Blue

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Police arrested Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire for indecent exposure:

According to the report, McGuire was inside an SUV when he allegedly exposed himself. He is expected to appear at the Criminal Court Complex on March 16 in Clearwater.
SportingNews.com

The actual charge was ” exposure of sexual organs,” leading me to wonder how many he has?

January 2, 2020

German Suspended

Major League Baseball finished their domestic violence investigation and suspended Domingo German for 81 games, including the 18 games missed on administrative leave.

German’s suspension is the fourth-longest to be issued since baseball implemented its domestic-violence policy in 2015, after San Diego pitcher Jose Torres (100 games in 2017), Philadelphia outfielder Odubel Herrera (85 games in 2019) and Atlanta outfielder Hector Olivera (82 games in 2016). None of those players have appeared in the majors since their suspensions.
NYTimes.com

The Yankees are stocked with starting pitchers, so we’ll see what happens when German is ready to return.

December 23, 2019

Hill Booted

Rich Hill wound up seeing the Patriots game Saturday from a police station. To his credit, he was defending his wife:

Caitlin Hill repeatedly tried to enter Gillette Stadium with an oversized bag, Foxborough Police chief administrator Robert Bolger told the newspaper. She was arrested on disorderly conduct and trespassing charges after she refused to leave the area when ordered by police.
Rich Hill was then arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after he tried to stop police from putting Caitlin Hill into a police vehicle.
ESPN.com

I wonder if this was caused my Mrs. Hill not being familiar with going to a game as a fan? Wives of players go in through an employee entrance, and I suspect they can bring whatever they want into the park.

October 30, 2019

Hamilton Charged

Josh Hamilton faces charges of child abuse:

The former All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton was charged with injury to a child after his 14-year-old daughter told his ex-wife that he had struck her.

Hamilton turned himself in to the Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday and was released on $35,000 bond.
NYTimes.com

Sadly, this doesn’t surprise me. His working his way to the majors after beating drug addiction was a feel good story at the time, but it’s possible that Hamilton wasn’t that good a person from the beginning.

October 10, 2019

DoggieGate

Padres pitcher Jacob Nix got nicked by the police.

According to news reports, the 23-year-old Nix entered a home through a doggie door and was confronted by the homeowner. When Nix attempted to leave the premises, the homeowner used a taser on Nix.

Nix and Thomas Cosgrove, a 12^th-round pick by the Padres in 2017 who played for Single-A Lake Elsinore last season, were arrested a short while later.
SanDiegoUnionTribune.com

Maybe he was going for the watergate bowl.

September 18, 2019

Closer Gets Too Close

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Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez admitted to sex with an underage woman:

Vazquez was arrested Tuesday and charged with three felonies, including statutory sexual assault and unlawful contact with a minor. The age of consent in Pennsylvania is 16.

Vazquez was also charged with computer pornography offenses in Florida, where he lives in the off-season and where the girl’s family also lives now. The authorities said at a news conference Wednesday that the girl, who is now 15, was the victim in both the Pennsylvania and Florida cases. Vazquez was held without bond in an Allegheny County jail after a judge denied him bail on Tuesday.
NYTimes.com

Needless to say, MLB placed him on administrative leave and he won’t be pitching the rest of the season. Vazquez struck out 90 and walked 13 in 60 innings this year, helping him to a 1.65 ERA.

The Pirates play three games against the Brewers and three games against the Cubs down the stretch, so the lack of a star closer could play a role in the NL Central/Wild Card race. On the other hand, the Pirates lost seven of their last ten games, so they may not get much of a chance to use their closer.

August 20, 2019

Retired Crime

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Authorities in the Dominican Republic went after two former MLB players as part of a drug ring:

Octavio Dotel was arrested and local cops are searching for Luis Castillo as part of a major raid in the Dominican that targeted properties owned by Cesar Emilio Peralta, according to Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez.

Peralta — known as Cesar The Abuser — is accused of running a major drug trafficking and money laundering ring. He was not captured during the raids.

“Eighteen other people are linked to this network, including athletes and baseball players Octavio Dotel and Luis Castillo,” Rodríguez said in a press conference, calling it “the most important drug trafficking structure in the region.”
NYDailyNews.com

According to Baseball Reference, Castillo grossed $56 million in his career, Dotel $41 million. Even after all the agent fees and taxes, they would be set for life and could pursue something other than their alleged crimes.

July 12, 2019

Gooden Arrested

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Dwight Gooden faces multiple charges after a traffic stop in New Jersey:

Gooden, 54, faces up to five years in prison on the charge of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, a third-degree felony in New Jersey. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence, as well as driving while intoxicated, which is considered a traffic violation in New Jersey.
NYTimes.com

The article details a number of arrests of Gooden in the last 20 years, and you wonder if he get the maximum sentence if found guilty.

June 19, 2019

Mistaken Identity

The person who shot David Ortiz meant to shoot another person:

Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez told reporters that the Boston Red Sox legend was not the target of the June 9 shooting, adding that it was Sixto David Fernandez, another individual at his table.
NESN.com

It’s quite possible Ortiz’s bulk saved the other man’s life.

June 18, 2019

Round up the Usual Suspects

Dominican authorities have now arrested eleven people in connection with the David Ortiz shooting. Captain Renault would be proud.

The good news is that doctors upgrade Ortiz’s health status. We also may hear about the motive for the shooting on Wednesday.

June 13, 2019

Not the Hit Ortiz Wanted

The police arrested a man who allegedly shot David Ortiz. He appears to be a paid hit-man, working with a group of people who were also arrested:

The suspected gunman in David Ortiz’s shooting at a Dominican Republic bar was arrested Wednesday as part of a group that authorities said was offered almost $8,000 for a coordinated hit on the former Red Sox star.
Ramon Martinez Perez, who goes by the alias Rolfie, was detained and is currently being questioned, Dominican authorities said. Eddy Vladimir Feliz Garcia, who was arrested at the scene of the Sunday night shooting at the Dial Bar and Lounge in the eastern part of Santa Domingo, was charged Tuesday as an accomplice to attempted murder.
Four other men — Joel Rodriguez Cruz, Oliver Moises Mirabal Acosta, Reynaldo Rodriguez Valenzuela and Polfirio Allende Deschamps Vazquez — were also arrested; a seventh suspect remains at large.
NBCNews.com

We now await the motive for the crime.

If the motive turns out to be due Ortiz doing something shady, the Red Sox will be glad they didn’t name Yawkey Way after the slugger. As I wrote at the time:

So how about going back to Jersey Street instead of after another celebrity? It will save future embarrassment if that person turns out to be disliked by future generations.
BaseballMusings.com

Stay tuned.

June 10, 2019

More Details on Ortiz

Some of the information in the story linked to this morning on David Ortiz was incorrect or incomplete. That is often the case in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy. This New York Times story updates the mistake aspects:

Ortiz lost his gall bladder and part of his intestine.
The person captured by the bystanders was a driver for the shooter, not the shooter himself.
Two other people were wounded in the shooting.

Ortiz is being transported to Boston.

June 10, 2019

Ortiz Shot

David Ortiz survived a gun attack Sunday night in the Dominican Republic.

The bullet entered Ortiz’s back and exited through his abdomen, according to Ortiz’s father, Leo, who spoke to reporters outside the hospital in Santo Domingo where he is being treated. His father said Ortiz was out of surgery just after midnight and he is in stable condition.
No organs were compromised, according to his father.
…
An investigation into the shooting has been opened, but police said in a brief statement they do not believe the motive was robbery.
ABCNews.go.com

The crowd captured the gunman for police. Here’s wishing Ortiz a fast recovery. Stay tuned for more on gunman.