President Donald Trump has reportedly now granted a pardon to former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry, recognizing the former New York Mets slugger’s turnaround from a career and life once marred by legal troubles and substance abuse.
The decision reflects the president’s emphasis on rewarding individuals who rehabilitate themselves and contribute to their communities after personal struggles.
“President Trump has approved a pardon for Darryl Strawberry, three-time World Series champion and eight-time MLB All-Star,” a White House official said in an email to Fox News Digital. “Mr. Strawberry served time and paid back taxes after pleading guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Following his career, Mr. Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for over a decade — he has become active in ministry and started a recovery center which still operates today.”
Strawberry’s career, once celebrated for athletic brilliance, was repeatedly interrupted by personal failings. Over the years, he faced multiple suspensions from Major League Baseball due to substance abuse and legal issues. In 1994, he was charged with tax evasion, leading to legal complications that affected the start of his 1995 season.
His battles with cocaine resulted in suspensions, including missing the entire 2000 season, which effectively ended his professional playing career.
In addition to legal troubles related to drugs and taxes, Strawberry faced arrests, including a 1999 incident while with the New York Yankees for soliciting sex from an undercover officer.
That episode resulted in a 140-day suspension, 21 months of probation, and community service obligations. He later served 11 months in prison from 2002 to 2003 for violating non-drug rules at a treatment facility. Despite these setbacks, he has spent the last decade rebuilding his life and helping others confront similar struggles.
Strawberry’s personal transformation has been as notable as his athletic achievements. After years of battling addiction, he embraced Christianity, dedicating himself to ministry and recovery work.
The White House emphasized that he established a recovery center that continues to operate, offering support and guidance to those struggling with substance abuse.
This story is developing…
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