NY Mets Pitcher Charged With Assault
Francisco Rodriguez, the New York Mets' former All-Star relief pitcher, was charged with third degree assault on August 11, 2010. The charges arise out of an incident in which Rodriguez punched Carlos Pena, his girlfriend's father, in the Citifield clubhouse. As a result of the incident, Mr. Pena allegedly suffered facial trauma and other injuries.
Rodriguez was arraigned in the Queens Criminal Court on August 12, 2010. Shortly thereafter, it was learned that Rodriguez has a torn ligament in his right thumb and is out for the season. The Mets have placed the pitcher on the disqualified list for the 2010 season and the move allows them the possibility of voiding Rodriguez's contract altogether. The voiding of Rodriguez' contract could be accomplished if it is determined that Rodriguez violated the "morals" clause of his contract.
Assault in the third degree is a misdemeanor under section 120.00 of the New York State Penal Law. If Rodriguez is convicted of the charge, he could face a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
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