New York Mets K-Rod Violates Restraining Order: Faces Additional Contempt Charges
New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez will appear in court today for a routine hearing stemming from his August 11th incident at Citi Field. It looks like the appearance will be all but routine. Reports indicate that Rodriguez will now face new charges for violating the restraining order that was placed on him. The injured closer sent 56 text messages to his fiancee since the incident on August 19th. 37 of the messages were sent between August 19-25 and an additional 19 were sent between August 30 and September 13th.
According to assistant district attorney Scott Kessler, Rodriguez's messages were apologetic in tone at first, but became angrier and harsher. Rodriguez's attorney Christopher Booth argued that his client was unfamiliar with the court proceedings. Unfortunately, Rodriguez dug himself a hole by texting "I know this message could get me in trouble again, but I already lost you, my house and my children." Sounds like K-Rod understood there would be some consequences.
Francisco Rodriguez's original charges could put K-Rod behind bars for up to a year. These new charges can only add time to his sentence if convicted. If the court decides to stick it to the closer, each message could be considered an additional offense. By turning in the text messages, it appears that Rodriguez's fiance is cooperating with the court and has no intention to lift the restraining order. None of these things seem to help Rodriguez in his upcoming hearing before an arbitrator next month. Check back for additional news relating to K-Rod.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.