Familia suspended 15 games under MLB's domestic violence policy
New York Mets reliever Jeurys Familia has been handed a 15-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, commissioner Rob Manfred announced in a statement Wednesday.
Familia has accepted the ban and will not launch an appeal.
"Mr. Familia and his wife cooperated fully throughout the investigation, including submitting to in-person interviews with MLB's Department of Investigations," Manfred said in a statement. "The evidence reviewed by my office does not support a determination that Mr. Familia physically assaulted his wife, or threatened her or others with physical force or harm, on Oct. 31, 2016. Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia's overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the Policy, and warrants discipline.
"It is clear that Mr. Familia regrets what transpired that night and takes full responsibility for his actions."
As part of his punishment, MLB announced Familia will be donating both "time and money" to domestic violence programs, and will also speak to younger players about the incident. The 27-year-old has already completed 12 counselling sessions, which he voluntarily attended.
In a statement released after the announcement, Familia for what he termed was "inappropriate behavior" during the alleged incident on Oct. 31 of last year, but denied having physically harmed his wife on the night in question.
"With all that has been written and discussed regarding this matter, it is important that it be known that I never physically touched, harmed or threatened my wife that evening," Familia said. "I did, however, act in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I am alone to blame for the problems of that evening. ... I've taken meaningful steps to assure that nothing like this will ever happen again. I have learned from this experience, and have grown as a husband, a father, and a man.
"I apologize to the Mets' organization, my teammates, and all my fans. I look forward to rejoining the Mets and being part of another World Series run. Out of respect for my teammates and my family, I will have no further comment."
Familia was arrested following the alleged domestic violence incident involving his wife and was charged with one count of simple assault. That charge was dismissed by a New Jersey judge in December at the request of his wife.
Familia is the fourth player to be suspended under the league and MLB Players Association's joint domestic violence policy since its establishment last year.
The suspension will cost Familia a little over $700,000 - the equivalent of 18 days' pay, when counting off days - in pay, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Assuming none of the Mets' first 15 games are delayed, he'll be eligible to return to the club on April 20 against Philadelphia.