Mets closer Jeurys Familia arrested on charges of domestic violence

The All Star pitcher is likely to face suspension by Major League Baseball even if he is not convicted of any crime.

A report in USA Today states that New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia was arrested on a charge of domestic violence Monday night, according to a complaint filed with the municipal court in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

The complaint says the 27-year old All-Star caused “bodily injury to another” person and was charged with simple assault. When police arrived at his residence, they believed that domestic violence had occurred.

The victim has not been identified, although Familia resides in the Fort Lee apartment with his wife, Bianca, and their 1-year old son, Jeurys Jr. The complaint lists Familia as Jeurys F. Mojica and has a Facebook page that identifies him as Jeurys Familia Mojica.

The timing of the charge comes after he was featured in a new ad campaign for an anti-domestic violence organization.

“The matter was brought to our attention and we are monitoring the situation,” the Mets said in a brief statement on Tuesday. It is likely Familia will be disciplined by Major League Baseball for the alleged incident, even if charges are eventually dropped.

What that means is that Familia could face a lengthy suspension similar to the 30 games Aroldis Chapman got while he was a member of the Yankees, or even a stiffer one that teammate Jose Reyes received which sidelined him for 51. Either way, the Mets will likely be without a key member of their bullpen at the start of the 2017 season.

Familia was due for a hefty raise via arbitration this winter and it is unknown how this will affect those negotiations or subsequent decision by an arbitrator, should it go that far. He set a new team record with appearances (67) and saves (51).

The campaign which Familia is featured is sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and includes videos by a number of New York athletes.