Photo Credit: Marc Serota/Getty Images North America
This past weekend, the New York Mets welcomed home former star shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes, who spent his his first nine seasons in the Major Leagues with the Mets, signed a minor league deal after being released by the Colorado Rockies on June 15th. The Rockies reportedly will eat the remaining $40 million owed to Reyes.
The 33-year old shortstop was released by the Rockies after being arrested in a domestic violence case with his wife. Reyes served a fifty-two game suspension for the incident that occurred in Hawaii on October 31, 2015. The incident reportedly resulted in injuries to his wife, who was treated by medics on the scene and later transferred to a Hawaii hospital for further treatment. Reyes was released on $1,000 bond and ordered to have no contact with his wife for three days.
Following the release, Major League Baseball announced that Reyes’ case would fall under the Joint Domestic Violence Policy. The purpose of this policy is to “set an example that makes clear that there is no place for domestic abuse in our society” and “deter future violence, promote victim safety, and serve as a step toward a better understanding of the causes and consequences of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse,” as stated by MLBPA executive director Tony Clark.
With the Rockies down to the wire on whether to activate or designate Reyes for assignment, the team ultimately decided to cut ties with the former All Star. With designating him for assignment, the Rockies will reportedly eat the remaining $40 million dollars owed to Reyes.
In the wake of such a charge, many fans are hesitant to welcome back Reyes to the diamond. Welcoming back Reyes, even if it’s to the Mets, have fans in a twist on whether or not to have him back on the diamond. The Mets, who have been plagued with injuries, including a rather serious one to famed third baseman David Wright, are finding any means neccessary to become the team to make it to the World Series again.
When such a serious offense is shined upon by the media, it becomes an increasingly difficult task to welcome back a player. Reyes joins a long list of athletes who have been brought up on related charges, including former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and free agent defensive end Greg Hardy. While Reyes vows to “be a better man and husband,” his homecoming to New York will be delayed with a stint in the minor leagues.
Reyes will report to the Brooklyn Cyclones, Class A affiliate of the New York Mets.
