New York Mets Jeurys Familia Recieves 15 Game Suspension

New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia has been suspended 15 games by MLB for his domestic violence incident in the offseason.

The New York Mets have learned the fate for closer Jeurys Familia. Familia will be suspended 15 games to begin the season. Familia was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in the offseason. Charges were eventually dropped, but under the Major League Baseball policy, the league can still suspend Familia, which they did today.

The incident took place on October 31st and involved Familia’s wife. Familia was arrested after allegedly causing a scratch to her chest and bruise on her right cheek. But, she did not press charges, which probably lightened the suspension a bit for Familia.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred met with Familia on Monday to discuss the incident. Manfred shared that Familia will not appeal the suspension and that he will be allowed to continue participating in Spring Training activities and exhibition games with the Mets.

"“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 October 31, 2016. Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia’s overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the Policy, and warrants discipline.”"

In addition to the 15 games that Familia will miss, there are other things he has to do under his suspension. ESPN reports that Familia will have to make appearances at MLB’s rookie programs in both the United States and the Dominican Republic.

More from New York Mets

He will also have to make an appearance at a domestic violence group in New York. There were also counseling sessions that he had to go to, which he has already completed.

Familia shared some words in a statement on Wednesday regarding the whole situation.

"“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 in a statement issued Wednesday. “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.“My wife and I cooperated fully with Major League Baseball’s investigation, and 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.”"

Familia is the third player to receive a suspension under MLB’s domestic violence policy. His suspension is the most lenient of the three. Jose Reyes was handed a 52-game suspension at the beginning of the 2016 season. Aroldis Chapman received a 30-game suspension last season to begin the season for his domestic violence incident.

Next: New York Mets 2017 Awards Predictions

With Familia sidelined to begin the season, the Mets will need a closer for 15 games. Addison Reed is the most likely player to assume the closer role until Familia returns to action. Fernando Salas, Jerry Blevins, and Hansel Robles should help bridge the gap to Reed until Familia comes back.

Home/New York Mets