NY Mets pitcher faces domestic violence charge in New Jersey
FORT LEE, N.J. — A New York Mets pitcher featured in a new anti-domestic violence ad campaign is now facing a domestic violence charge in New Jersey.
A complaint filed by authorities in Fort Lee municipal court alleges that Jeurys Familia caused “bodily injury to another” and that they observed a scratch to the victim’s chest and a bruise to the victim’s right cheek. It says the 27-year-old Familia - who is identified in the complaint as Jeurys F. Mojica - was arrested early Monday and charged with simple assault. Major League Baseball confirmed Familia’s extended last name is Mojica.
The All-Star pitcher, a married father of a 1-year-old boy, serves as the Mets’ closer.
Familia’s agent declined comment on the matter. The Mets issued a statement that said “the matter was brought to our attention and we are monitoring the situation.”
The matter was first reported by The Record newspaper.
Familia, a native of the Dominican Republic, has pitched for the Mets since 2012 and has served as their closer the past two seasons. This year, he led the majors with 51 saves.
Under a new policy this season, Major League Baseball’s suspensions related to domestic violence charges included 30 games for Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, now with the Cubs, and 51 games for Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, now with the Mets.
The increased focus on domestic violence in Major League Baseball followed a string of cases in 2014 and 2015 involving NFL players.
Last week, the New York Giants released kicker Josh Brown after writings surfaced in which he admitted to physically abusing his wife.