LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Mets closer Jeurys Familia was suspended for 15 games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday for violating the league's joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child-abuse policy. Familia's suspension will begin on Opening Day.
The suspension stems from Familia's Oct. 31 arrest on a simple assault charge. Prosecutors later dropped charges and Familia did not stand trial.
 
 
Jeurys Familia suspended 15 games by MLB
 
Familia agreed not to appeal the discipline. He is eligible to continue to participate in all Spring Training and exhibition games and activities prior to Opening Day, which is Monday when the Mets play host to the Braves.
"My office has completed its investigation into the events leading up to Jeurys Familia's arrest on Oct. 31, 2016," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in making the announcement. "Mr. Familia and his wife cooperated fully throughout the investigation, including submitting to in-person interviews with MLB's Department of Investigations. My office also received cooperation from the Fort Lee (N.J.) Municipal Prosecutor. 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 Oct. 31, 2016. Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia's overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the policy, and warrants discipline.
"It is clear that Mr. Familia regrets what transpired that night and takes full responsibility for his actions. Mr. Familia already has undergone 12 90-minute counseling sessions with an approved counselor specializing in the area of domestic violence, and received a favorable evaluation from the counselor regarding his willingness to take concrete steps to ensure that he is not involved in another incident of this type. Further, he has agreed to speak to other players about what he has learned through this process, and to donate time and money to local organizations aimed at the prevention of, and the treatment of victims of, domestic violence."
Familia also issued a statement, via the MLB Players Association.
"Today, I accepted a 15-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior on Oct. 31, 2016," Familia said. "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. 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.
"I apologize to the Mets' organization, my teammates, and all my fans. I look forward to rejoining the Mets and being part of another World Series run. Out of respect for my teammates and my family, I will have no further comment."
In Familia's absence, the Mets plan to use Addison Reed as their closer.
Anthony DiComo/MLB.com
 

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