Mets Closer Jeurys Familia Charged With Assault After Appearing in Anti-Domestic Violence Ad

Mets closing pitcher Jeurys Familia was charged with domestic violence weeks after appearing in an ad where he said in Spanish that he was "not a fan of domestic violence."

A complaint filed by authorities in Fort Lee municipal court alleges that Familia caused "bodily injury to another" and that they observed a scratch to the victim's chest and a bruise to the victim's right cheek.

It says the 27-year-old Familia - who is identified in the complaint as Jeurys F. Mojica - was arrested early Monday and charged with simple assault. Major League Baseball confirmed Familia's extended last name is Mojica.

The arrest was first reported by the Bergen Record.

The Record reports that Familia had been living with his wife and 1-year-old son at an apartment in Fort Lee. 

The Mets said in a statement that "the matter was brought to our attention and we are monitoring the situation." His agent declined to comment.

Familia was recently featured in a public service announcement for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Other ads featured Yankees manager Joe Girardi, Knicks legend John Starks and other athletes. 

The spot showed Familia in his Mets uniform with a baseball and glove and included a cutaway shot of City Field. The closer can be heard saying in Spanish, "I am a fan of baseball. I am a fan of the Mets. I am not a fan of domestic violence."

New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who announced the campaign on Oct. 5,  said in a statement that she was "deeply disturbed" by the allegations against Familia and called on the MLB to launch an investigation.

"I will be reaching out to the Mets and the Familia ads will be removed from the campaign," she said. "Last week it was (former Giants kicker) Josh Brown this week it's Familia. The problem is rampant. The solution is to confront it.”

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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