Posted on November 2, 2016 by Bryan Zarpentine
Image via nypost.com
New York Mets’ closer Jeurys Familia has been arrested and charged with domestic violence. Familia’s wife, Bianca, is reportedly the victim, although the name of the victim has been redacted from all official documents. Familia was arrested early Monday morning after police were called to the couple’s apartment in New Jersey, where officers found probable cause to arrest Familia for domestic violence after discovering a scratch to the chest and a bruise to the right cheek of the victim.
After being arraigned on simple assault charges, Familia posted $1,500 bail and was released. He is expected to be back in court on Thursday, and is not allowed to have any contact with the victim as part of the conditions for his release. The Mets have released a statement that reads: “The matter was brought to our attention and we are monitoring the situation.”
Reports indicate that police were called to the couple’s New Jersey apartment following a heated argument between Familia and his wife. Neighbors have confirmed that the couple lives in the luxury apartment building where Familia was arrested. The couple have a child who was born in June 2015.
“I’ve seen them a bunch of times. During the summertime they would be out on the deck,” said one neighbor. “You would never think that this was happening because he’s a really nice guy and she’s a really nice lady.”
According to one report, Familia told police his name was Jeurys Familia Mojica, perhaps in an effort to prevent the Mets from finding out about the incident. Familia appears to have a Facebook page in which he uses Jeurys Familia Mojica as his name.
Familia gave a brief interview on Tuesday in which he proclaimed he was innocent of the charges. “Somebody is trying to damage my reputation with this info. I’m at peace with my family,” he told the reporter. A source close to the situation reports that Familia’s wife does not plan on separating from the big leaguer following the incident.
Familia becomes the latest major league player to be involved in a domestic violence incident. MLB has attempted to crack down down on the issue by suspending players who are arrested for domestic violence, even when those charges are later dropped. Current Mets infielder Jose Reyes was involved in a domestic incident with his wife last offseason. Reyes was suspended for 52 games and subsequently released by the Colorado Rockies. He ended up signing with the Mets during the season. The Mets stipulated that Reyes must continue to undergo therapy as part of his contract.
Aroldis Chapman, who is currently with the Chicago Cubs, served a 30-game suspension at the start of the season for a domestic violence incident. Hector Olivera received an 82-game suspension for a domestic violence incident. MLB says they are investigating the matter, making a suspension a distinct possibility for Familia, even if the charges are ultimately dropped.
Ironically, and perhaps even more unfortunately for everyone involved, Familia was recently part of a campaign that spoke out against domestic violence as part of domestic violence awareness month in October.
