New York Mets Reliever Jeurys Familia Arrested for Domestic Violence
By Nick Fustor
New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia was reportedly arrested on a domestic violence charge.
Jeurys Familia was arrested Monday for simple assault, as reported by Andrew Wyrich and Abbott Koloff of The Record. Police records indicate the New York Mets reliever caused “bodily injury to another” and that the victim, who is unidentified, had a bruise on their right cheek and a scratch on their chest.
Familia, 27, was charged with simple assault and a disorderly persons offense, according to a complaint filed to the police department. Police officers in the filing stated that there was probable cause “to believe that domestic violence had occurred.” The incident occurred Monday morning in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where Familia lives with his wife and young child.
The Mets had the following to say, per The Record:
"“The matter was brought to our attention and we are monitoring the situation.”"
It’s still unclear if Major League Baseball has been informed of the matter, as the league has yet to comment.
The Record noted that Familia was featured in a new ad campaign against domestic violence, in which he said, “I am not a fan of domestic violence,” in Spanish.
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This incident comes on the heels of several other high profile players involved in domestic violence situations. Jose Reyes was charged with assaulting his wife and was subsequently suspended 52 games, while Aroldis Chapman was suspended 30 games to start the 2016 season after an incident involving his wife.
MLB Trade Rumors noted that the Mets, who acquired Reyes this season, said he deserved a second chance. “I came away feeling that he had taken responsibility for this mistake on his part, that he was remorseful,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said of Reyes. “He obviously has paid a penalty for this, both financially and in terms of his career.”
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was also under investigation last winter after allegedly pushing his sister before fighting a bouncer at a Miami bar. The league adopted a domestic violence policy in August 2015 to provide clear steps to handle incidents around major and minor league baseball.
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It’s unclear what will happen with Familia, but the concern is around the safety of the victim. Familia was an All-Star this season and served as a crucial piece of the Mets’ bullpen.