Reds' pitcher Mike Leake arrested for theft

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: Reds' pitcher Mike Leake arrested for theft

Apparently some Cards fans plan to wear these this weekend during the big 3-game series in STL. I want one. It's hilarious.

I'll take 6.

[Blzer]

Re: Reds' pitcher Mike Leake arrested for theft

I'll take 6.

Take or purchase?

[RedsAce]

Re: Reds' pitcher Mike Leake arrested for theft

Apparently some Cards fans plan to wear these this weekend during the big 3-game series in STL. I want one. It's hilarious.

Thats pretty funny. Brandon Phillips was quoted yesterday after the game that he loved Mike Leake to death and glad he was able to steal a win today.

I hope they go to St. Louis and sweep them or take 2 of 3 would be nice. Should be interesting to see if anyone gets thrown at. I bet if Phillips or Gomes is hit there will be a Card hit.

[Doormat]

Re: Reds' pitcher Mike Leake arrested for theft

Hopefully they can move past this, the Reds are one of my favorite national baseball team

[SlimKibbles]

Re: Reds' pitcher Mike Leake arrested for theft

The man speaks. Yes, Mike, that was a bonehead move on your part.

(Article per Tom Groeschen of the Cincy Enquirer: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2...PT04/304290116)

CINCINNATI -- Reds pitcher Mike Leake Friday had his legal charges reduced from theft to unauthorized use of property, and he was accepted into a diversion program.

Leake this morning pleaded guilty in Hamilton County Municipal Court to the reduced charge. The theft is a Misdemeanor 1, and the reduced charge is a Misdemeanor 4.

The diversion program will include 30 hours of community service and counseling. When Leake completes the diversion program, the case will be dismissed.

Leake spoke to a large crowd of reporters Friday afternoon in the Great American Ball Park home dugout, with the Reds to play Florida tonight at 7:10 p.m.

Leake, 23, was arrested April 18 at the downtown Macy’s and charged with theft, accused of stealing six T-shirts valued at $59.88.

“I just need to apologize to the Reds, to the Castellinis, to Walt (Jocketty), to anyone in the office that I forgot, to the players and my family,” Leake said. “I sincerely apologize to them for putting all this pressure on them and the drama that I’ve caused.”

Leake said that on April 2, he went in to purchase six shirts and they did not fit. He went back to Macy’s on April 18 and exchanged them on his own, instead of talking to a clerk. He said he set the six shirts down, got the correct sizes and walked out. Leake then was stopped by store security.

“I realize how bonehead of a move it was,” Leake said. “It was very wrong and I sincerely apologize. It was a serious lapse of judgment, and for that I will be willing to do anything that I will have to do.”

Leake technically has not been convicted. The move allows his guilty plea to remain in abeyance until he either completes or fails his diversion program. If he completes it, there is no conviction. If he fails, he will be convicted.

“I will be doing the diversion program and whatever they have me do,” Leake said. “I will gladly do it for my mistake.”

Reds manager Dusty Baker said he was glad Leake could move on.

“I’m glad it’s almost over with, and I’m pleased he gets to tell his side of the story,” Baker said.

Leake, in speaking with reporters, also thanked Macy’s for being “very professional about this.” He also thanked his lawyer and the Reds, including the media relations department.

Leake was asked about his thought process and whether this was the first time he had ever tried to return something.

“In this way, yes,” Leake said, drawing mild laughter from bystanders.

“I couldn’t tell you the exact reason why, my thought process and what was going on through my head. I know it was truly a bad mistake.”

Leake was asked if he were given an opportunity to explain, on the day he was stopped at Macy’s.

“I’d rather not get into that,” Leake said. “We’ll let it rest where it is.”

Leake said he has a credit card statement but did not retain the receipt from the shirts.

Leake said the community service will be something with non-profit organizations.

“I’ll see exactly what they have to be, but I’ll try to make a variety out of it, just to give back to the community for what I did,” Leake said.

Leake has pitched well in two starts since his arrest, going 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in 14 innings. For the year, Leake is 3-0 with a 4.40 ERA.

“That was my goal. I didn’t want to affect the teammates or anybody around me, so I had to keep my head on straight,” Leake said of his last two starts. “I didn’t really feel any type of pressure from anybody.”

Leake, less than two years removed from college, also said:

“I look forward to moving on and helping this program, and getting us a national championship here pretty soon.”

Leake was asked whether he had addressed his teammates about the incident.

“I have already addressed them. I told them my sincere apology about it, about the distraction,” Leake said. “I can’t handle whether they trust me or not. It was my mistake, and if they can’t trust me from here on out, I can’t really do anything about it. I hope that’s not the case.”