A's Catcher Bruce Maxwell Arrested In Arizona On Gun Charge
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell was arrested in Arizona Saturday after a food delivery person alleged he pointed a gun at her.
Scottsdale police say officers went to Maxwell's home Saturday night after getting a call about a person with a gun.
Maxwell didn't say much during his arraignment Sunday where he faced charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct.
"Your Honor, he's never really had any type of criminal activity before in his life and as you probably know he's a catcher for the Oakland Athletics," his attorney could be heard saying during the arraignment.
Maxwell had previously gained notoriety as the only player in major league baseball to take a knee this year during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.
John Shea has been covering baseball in the Bay Area for the San Francisco Chronicle for almost 30 years. He says the situation with Maxwell's protest was something he's never seen before.
"Baseball has a different culture than basketball and football. You see more reserved attitudes in baseball. You see people who don't show emotion," said Shea. "When someone goes against the norm and turns left when everyone turns right, then he's noticed."
His arrest Saturday night now puts the A's in a tough position.
"What the A's do at this point is wait it out," said Shea.
Oakland Athletics officials issued a statement Sunday about allegations involving the catcher.
"We were disappointed to learn of the allegations, A's officials said. "We take this situation and ongoing investigation seriously. We are gathering information from the proper authorities."
TMZ Sports first reported the arrest.
Baseball fans said the arrest takes away from his protest message.
"It does undermine what he set out to do in the beginning," said A's fan Renee Main.
"I think it's completely messed up. I've been a huge fan of Maxwell's for years," said baseball fan Rune Hauge. "I've followed him ever since he came out in the league. I think it's sad."
Neither Maxwell nor his agent have released any kind of public statement since the catcher's arrest.
The 26-year-old Maxwell hit .237 with three home runs and 22 RBIs in 76 games this season. He was projected to be Oakland's starting catcher next year.
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