Indians’ Closer Chris Perez Charged With Marijuana Possession
Cleveland Indians’ pitcher Chris Perez has been charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana after authorities seized a shipment of pot that was allegedly mailed to his home. Melanie Perez, his wife, is also charged. Their lawyer claims the couple will plead not guilty.
Apparently the package in question was addressed to Brody Baum. Brody is the family dog and Baum is Melanie’s maiden name. Postal inspectors had tipped off authorities to suspicious packages being delivered to their Rocky River, Ohio, residence.
Perez reportedly admitted to drug agents who arrived at his doorstep with a search warrant that he had weed in the house. “Perez responded that he had ‘personal use’ marijuana in the basement and volunteered to direct the officers to the location of it, an investigative report said. He pointed out a number of items of paraphernalia along with two separate ‘mason’ jars containing a green vegetable matter suspected of being marijuana, it said.”
The Indians are currently off to a hot start in the 2013 season, but Perez hasn’t reached expectations as the team’s closer. In 17 appearances this year, Perez sports a 2-1 record with six saves and a 4.32 ERA, which is tied for the highest of his career.
The 27-year-old has blown two saves this season, before going on the disabled list with an injured shoulder, including giving up two runs on May 18 to the Seattle Mariners before the Indians came back to win 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth.
The team’s manager Terry Francona tried to steer clear of the subject of the Chris Perez alleged pot possession: “He’s got some friends that care about him, which makes sense, and I’ve spoken to him a couple times. But out of respect to the situation and the process, we’re really not allowed to talk about it.”
GM Chris Antonetti said in a statement that “Clearly we take these matters seriously and are disappointed whenever there is any negative attention brought to the Indians organization or one of our players. We understand and respect that there is an ongoing legal process that we will allow to evolve.”
Do you think a misdemeanor pot charge is any big deal by today’s standards? And what’s worse, smoking pot or getting it delivered to your home in the mail?
