New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia is expected to be suspended at least 30 games despite having charges dropped against him according to Kristie Ackert of New York Daily News.
The simple assault charge against Familia was dropped yesterday in Fort Lee Municipal Court, and the judge ordered that the incident be expunged from his record.
Familia now waits on the result of Major League Baseball’s own investigation into the matter with no timetable reportedly set for a decision.
Previous Report – Dec 15
The simple assault charge against Mets closer Jeurys Familia has been dismissed according to Jim Baumbach of Newsday.
The prosecutor Arthur Balsamo met with Familia’s wife Bianca Rivas for five minutes before going in front of the judge. Bianca didn’t want the case to proceed against her husband.
Baumbach said in a tweet “Judge interviewed Familia’s wife and afterward said he didn’t want to refer to her as a victim, but rather a witness”.
The case will be expunged from Familia’s record which could bode well when MLB conducts their own investigation into the allegations.
Familia still faces a possible suspension from Major League Baseball.
Original Report – 7:30 am
New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia will be in Fort Lee Municipal Court in New Jersey today at 9 am, stemming from the simple assault charge that allegedly happened on October 31. In his previous court date, Familia pleaded not guilty and the restraining order against him was lifted.
Familia‘s wife Bianca Rivas, has asked the authorities that the simple assault charges against her husband be dropped, the prosecutor told Jim Baumbach of Newsday. However, judge has stated that the prosecutors can still proceed with the case even if the victim wants to drop the charges.
According to a November report in the New York Post, Familia was “going crazy” and “drunk” the night he was arrested in New Jersey on a domestic violence charge, according to his wife.
According to what Familia’s wife Bianca told the police and also in a 911 call, Familia caused her “bodily injury” which was in the police report. The report also cited a scratch on the chest and a bruise on the right cheek of Bianca, whose name was originally redacted.
Familia is being represented by Jay Reisinger, who represented Aroldis Chapman last offseason on his domestic violence charges. Chapman ultimately ended up serving a 30 game suspension despite the charges in being dropped in his case.
Familia, 27, led major league baseball with 51 saves this past season which also set a new single season franchise record. He has led MLB with 154 regular season appearances over the past two seasons.
