San Diego Padres: Jose Torres suspended by MLB after domestic violence arrest

San Diego Padres pitcher Jose Torres is placed on MLB’s restricted list, after a domestic violence arrest. MLB is on quite a roll of late…

First a major Breaking Bad-like drug bust, with Esteban Loaiza embracing his inner Gus Fring. Then, more PED accusations surface, which may damage the reputation of MLB even further. Now, another domestic violence arrest involving San Diego Padres pitcher Jose Torres. You can say this week is kicking off with a bang.

According to reports by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, pitcher Jose Torres was recently placed on the MLB restricted list after a December domestic violence arrest — which included the use of a semi-automatic handgun. Court documents claim that Torres is:

Charged with assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage, and intimidation stemming from the incident at a Phoenix-area home he shares with a woman and is being handled as a domestic violence case.

His next court appearance isn’t until February 20, but the San Diego Padres organization felt it was best to play Torres on the MLB restricted list, allowing the legal system to play out naturally. We live in a country where one is innocent until proven guilty, but the evidence thus far looks damning for him. The San Diego Padres organization left statement to the San Diego Union-Tribune on the matter:

“We are aware of the allegations involving Jose Torres, and he will not be reporting to spring training. We take this matter very seriously and are fully cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the Commissioner’s Office. We will not have any further comment at this time.”

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Unfortunately, this is not the first time Torres has been in legal trouble, where he has a case pending with a “marijuana violation and drug paraphernalia possession/use citation.” It’s believed those charges are separate and occurred before the most recent domestic violence arrest.

First off, kudos to the San Diego Padres in handling matters in a worthy manner, by letting the legal system play out. MLB currently has strict rules and regulations on PED use, they need to continue to embrace a zero-tolerance policy on violence, especially against women.

Here is the current MLB policy on domestic violence:

• The commissioner’s office will investigate allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse levied against all players.
• A player accused of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse can be placed on paid “administrative leave” for up to seven days before a decision is rendered.
• MLB discipline is not dependent on a criminal conviction, however, the commissioner reserves the right to defer a decision on discipline until criminal cases are resolved.
• There are no maximum, or minimum, penalties.
• Disciplinary rulings can be appealed, and appeals will be heard by an independent arbitrator.
• Players will not receive service time while suspended, which factors into free agency.

One item which needs altering is the “no maximum, or minimum, penalties” portion. If it’s a serious offense, contract termination is a necessity, with making appropriate steps to reinstatement — such things as anger management, community service, and proof they’ve made amends for such offense.

Then, such player needs to start a square one and work their way back up in their career earnings. Such behavior must not be allowed in MLB or our society.

Next: ACES agency accused of providing MLB players with PEDs

It’s time to implement harsher penalties for such offenses. The well-being of women in our society and in the world needs to be a top priority.