Ronald Belisario's lawyer says DUI case resolved, but Dodgers pitcher still not in camp
Add Ronald Belisario's lawyer to those who don't know why the right-handed pitcher hasn't yet reported to the Dodgers' spring-training camp.
The Venezuelan has yet to arrive at Camelback Ranch because of visa problems, which were aggravated by a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, stemming from an incident last June in Pasadena.
But his lawyer, J. Michael Flanagan, said Wednesday that the DUI case was resolved last week and that he couldn't explain why the 27-year-old middle reliever still wasn't in Arizona.
"I don't know what's going on," Flanagan said. Dodgers officials said this week that they couldn't explain the delay.
Flanagan said the initial charges against Belisario were reduced to a non-alcohol-related reckless-driving charge and that Belisario was fined $1,000. Flanagan said he appeared on behalf of Belisario at all of the case's hearings.
He also said that "I knew this pending DUI delayed" Belisario's visa application and "that’s why I hurried up the resolution of the case," adding that he then sent the paperwork to Belisario's agent, Paul Kinzer.
Kinzer said Wednesday that "we submitted that" paperwork to U.S. immigration authorities and "we're hoping to hear something in the next few days."
In the meantime, Belisario remains in Venezuela and is "working out and ready to go as soon as he lands" in the United States, Kinzer said.
Belisario was a workhorse for the Dodgers last season, with 69 appearances, but the Dodgers have said it's likely that the pitcher wouldn't arrive at camp in time to be available opening day April 5.
-- Jim Peltz in Phoenix
Photo: Ronald Belisario pitching against the Colorado Rockies last July at Dodger Stadium. Credit: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times
Per Dylan Hernandez' article, it's very encouraging that Kuroda reached out to Nomo, for advice.
Along with Koufax's participation, it would be a great thing, indeed, if more Dodger alumni would mentor this team.
Posted by: Zen | 03/17/2010 at 02:56 PM
Whenever he gets back, be sure that he is prevented from leaving. (lol)
I hope this doesn't have as great an impact on the bullpen as it seems it would, if he doesn't make the opening day roster.
Posted by: oldbrooklynfan | 03/17/2010 at 08:22 PM
Don't understand why either is lawyer or agent hasn't flown down to help him out!
Posted by: louisinsf | 03/18/2010 at 12:37 AM
Let us hope he has learned his lesson.
Anyway, the opening day is not the whole season; he should come soon as possible, though.
Posted by: dui classes | 05/13/2010 at 09:28 PM