Francisco Rodriguez pleads guilty to attempted assault, avoids jail
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New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez pleaded guilty to attempted assault Friday, avoiding jail after being accused of attacking his girlfriend’s father in August.
The former Angels star was sentenced to a conditional discharge, meaning he will stay out of jail as long as he completes 52 weeks of anger- management therapy, which includes group and one-on-one sessions.
If Rodriguez does not comply, he will face 120 days in jail.
Rodriguez was accused of assaulting Carlos Pena after a Mets game at Citi Field, an incident that led to a torn ligament in his pitching hand and season-ending surgery.
The pitcher also pleaded guilty Friday to two counts of disorderly conduct for sending his girlfriend, Daian Pena, dozens of text messages after he was told by a judge not to contact her.
He was ordered by Criminal Court Judge Mary O’Donoghue to keep away from the Penas for two years and to pay $14,444 in medical bills for Carlos Pena in addition to a $1,000 fine.
‘Mr. Rodriguez is very glad to have this incident behind him,’ said his attorney, Christopher Booth. “He’s very remorseful about what happened. It’s been a huge toll on him, emotionally and professionally.’
The Mets said in a statement: ‘We are pleased that Francisco has accepted responsibility for his actions. We are encouraged that he will continue to undergo therapy and is committed to taking steps to improve himself.’
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-- Chuck Schilken
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
