Pittsburgh Pirates: Felipe Vazquez could walk free in September
Back in May, former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez was found guilty of 15 counts of sexual assault against a then 13 year old girl. He had been in prison since his arrest back in 2019, and would remain imprisoned through his sentencing. Considering the nature of the charges, it was expected that Vazquez would be spending quite a bit of time behind bars.
On Tuesday, Vazquez learned his fate. He was sentenced to 24 to 48 months with credit for time served, making him eligible for parole in September.
Former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez gets slap on the wrist
It certainly does not seem as though Vazquez received much of a sentence at all. Even if the parole board denies his attempts to have his sentence end early, he will still be 32 years old when his time in prison is over.
Vazquez convicted on 15 sexual assault charges. light. Related Story
However, whenever he ends up walking free from his Pennsylvania sentence, his legal woes may not be over. He may end up facing criminal charges in Florida and Missouri as well. Vazquez continued his relationship with the girl after she moved from Pennsylvania to Florida, and he could face child pornography charges in Missouri after exchanging sexually explicit pictures with her during a road trip.
Regardless of whether or not those states decide to press charges, Vazquez’s future in the majors is over. Since the lid has finally been blown off of how female employees and reporters have been treated over the years, no one will want to take on someone such as Vazquez, regardless of whatever ability he may have left.
Frankly, that is the way it should be. For far too long, players got a pass as long as they could help a team win, with ownership and front offices willing to overlook the past if it would help in the standings. Those days are seemingly ending, with someone like Vazquez likely seeing his career as having come to an end.
Next. Tsutsugo gets another chance. dark
Former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez has finally been sentenced. While he did not receive much time, his career is likely over.