Most controversial scandals in MLB history: #4. Cocaine makes its way to the MLB
It all started fairly innocently.
Former Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse caterer Curtis Strong didn’t appear to do anything out of the ordinary. He was always seen around the ball club serving up food and making harmless small talk. Yet, behind his smiling face was a man with a hidden agenda.
After becoming fairly close to all of the players of Phillies, Strong began forging relationships with several players on various clubs. Now, with his clientele fully intact, Strong got the ball rolling on his master plan. The long-time caterer went from handing out food to dishing out cocaine (subscription required).
Once the cat was out of the bag, all of the players began throwing Strong under the bus. The reason behind them pointing a blaming a finger at their former caterer was because each player was granted immunity by the FBI. Several players, including the Pittsburgh Pirate mascot, admitted to the wrongdoing. In total, 11 players were suspended from the league but ultimately got off the hook in exchange for heavy fines and roughly 100 hours of community service.
As for Strong, his penalty was much more severe. He was handed a 12-year prison term. But, he was given somewhat of a break as he was released after only serving four years of that sentence.