Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Pirates' Vazquez jailed on child solicitation charge

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Tuesday, 17 September 2019 10:39

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez was arrested in Pittsburgh on charges of computer pornography -- solicitation of a child, and providing obscene material to minors, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced Tuesday.

The FDLE issued a statement saying it began its investigation into Vazquez in August after obtaining information that the pitcher reportedly had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl in Lee County, Florida. The victim, now 15, allegedly was continuing to have a relationship with Vazquez via text message and received a video from him in July in which he is shown performing a sex act, according to the police statement.

Vazquez has been put on administrative leave by Major League Baseball, though sources told ESPN that the league is not launching an immediate investigation because it plans to use the police's findings in pursuing potential discipline for Vazquez.

"Today we were made aware of an active law enforcement investigation involving Felipe Vázquez and his subsequent arrest," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said in a statement. "We take this matter, and these charges in particular, extremely seriously. We have informed the Commissioner's Office of the investigation and arrest.

"The Commissioner's Office will immediately place Felipe Vázquez on Administrative Leave (and, as a result, Restricted List) pursuant to the Joint MLB/MLBPA Policy. We need to be respectful to all involved and the ongoing legal proceeding. As a result, the organization, our staff and players cannot comment any further at this time."

The arrest was made by the FDLE with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police. Several electronic devices were seized by police and will be examined as part of the investigation with more charges possible for Vazquez.

The felony warrant was issued in Lee County, Florida. Vazquez, who is in the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh, faces extradition to Lee County.

The administrative leave is pursuant to MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. A player can remain on leave up to seven days, but it can be extended if MLB and the MLB Players Association agree to it.

Vazquez, the Pirates' closer, is 5-1 with 28 saves, 90 strikeouts and a 1.65 ERA this season. He is a two-time All-Star selection and is signed with the Pirates through at least 2021.

Vazquez will be paid while on administrative leave, but the Pirates could attempt to void his contract. However, past efforts by teams to nullify deals, even in cases of illegal behavior, have proven difficult. He is owed $5.25 million for the 2020 season and $7.25 million for 2021. The Pirates also hold $10 million options on the 2022 and '23 seasons -- the first with a $1 million buyout and the second a $500,000 buyout.

Vazquez was among the most sought-after players before the July 31 trade deadline, with multiple teams pursuing him a back-end-of-the-bullpen solution. The Pirates held out for an enormous asking price, valuing Vazquez -- and especially the four years of team control -- as one of the best assets in baseball. Teams found the Pirates' demands exorbitant, and Vazquez remained with Pittsburgh.

ESPN's Jeff Passan contributed to this report.

Read 349 times

Soccer

Kylian Mbappé's poor form will end - Ancelotti

Kylian Mbappé's poor form will end - Ancelotti

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti has backed Kylian Mbappé to end his poor run of for...

Leverkusen's Schick nets hat-trick in comeback win

Leverkusen's Schick nets hat-trick in comeback win

Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick bagged a hat-trick on Saturday to help the German champions b...

Ronaldo's Saudi title hopes hurt by Aubameyang

Ronaldo's Saudi title hopes hurt by Aubameyang

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCristiano Ronaldo's hopes of lifting his first silverware since mov...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA follows NFL in warning players on burglaries

NBA follows NFL in warning players on burglaries

EmailPrintThe NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes followi...

Sources: Zion (hamstring) not close to returning

Sources: Zion (hamstring) not close to returning

EmailPrintNew Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has undergone multiple treatments on his left ha...

Baseball

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is one of the few people on Earth who can r...

Rockies agree to one-year deal with IF Farmer

Rockies agree to one-year deal with IF Farmer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDENVER -- The Colorado Rockies agreed to a one-year deal Saturday w...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated