Another Met Loss, Another Met Lawsuit: K-Rod Goes to Jail
The Mets star closer, Francisco Rodriguez, was arrested early this morning after allegedly assaulting is 53 year old father-in-law after last night's disastrous loss at Citifield.
Here's where my background as a former NYC prosecutor and a current Mets season ticket holder collide. Why, why, why did Jerry Manual not bring in K-Rod for a 4 out save last night? News flash to the Mets, your entire bullpen has stunk ever since Duaner Sanchez went out in Miami for a Cuban sandwich. Can we please (please!), get someone to manage this team who knows what the heck he is doing? Enough is enough, Torre, Valentine or Pinella, you pick.
Ok, now that I vented. K-Rod was charged with Assault in the 3rd degrees in Queens County Criminal Court. This is a class-A misdemeanor and has a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail. If his father-in-law does not want to press charges, this can be easily reduced to a "violation" which is not a crime and more akin to a glorified parking ticket. If K-Rod's father-in-law does want to prosecute, the charge still may be reduced if he did not sustain a serious laceration. Under NY law, bumps and bruising does not equal an assault. K-Rod should be released, as soon as, he sees a judge to hear his rights.
Finally, a bit of unsolicited legal advise to K-Rod. Are you mental? Do you have any idea what could happen if an athlete lands a punch on an older man? Ever heard of a one-punch homicide? If you don't think it can happen, you need professional help. Get yourself together before you lose your temper again and risk being a permanent guest of the New York State Correctional system.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.