Francisco Rodriguez Reportedly Will Plead Guilty to Assault, Avoid Jail

by FanHouse Staff

Filed under: Mets, MLB Police Blotter

Francisco Rodriguez will plead guilty to assault charges Friday but likely will avoid jail time, the New York Daily News reports.

The Mets' closer had faced up to two years in jail for his beating of 53-year-old Carlos Pena on Aug. 11 at Citi Field. Instead, Rodriguez reportedly will have to attend anger management counseling. He still faces a civil suit filed by the victim, who is the father of Rodriguez's girlfriend Daian.

Mets management has said Rodriguez will return to active duty in their bullpen next season. The team placed him on the disqualified list after the incident, ultimately costing the pitcher $3.1 million in forfeited salary after it was revealed he had torn a ligament in his thumb during the altercation.

The Mets had threatened to make his contract non-guaranteed, giving them the option of cutting him loose without paying the $11.5 million he is owed next season, but they backed off in October after the players' union filed a grievance.

 

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