Trump Pardons MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry for 1995 Tax Evasion

Former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry has received a presidential pardon for a tax evasion charge from 1995. President Donald Trump approved the clemency, recognizing Strawberry’s achievements and his journey toward personal rehabilitation.

Darryl Strawberry’s Background

Strawberry, a three-time World Series champion and eight-time MLB All-Star, played for prominent teams including the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. In 1995, he pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, which prevented a possible trial on multiple charges that could have resulted in a 15-year prison sentence.

The Clemency Announcement

A White House official noted Strawberry’s efforts to improve his life after serving his sentence and paying back taxes. The official mentioned Strawberry’s commitment to sobriety and his Christian faith, as well as his initiative to establish a recovery center in Florida.

Strawberry’s Response

Expressing gratitude, Strawberry shared on Instagram about his conversation with President Trump. He recounted how Trump praised his baseball career and then informed him about the granted pardon.

• Strawberry expressed overwhelming gratitude, thanking God for his newfound freedom.
• He highlighted personal growth, identifying as a better husband and father.

Previous Legal Challenges

In addition to the tax evasion case, Strawberry faced legal troubles in a separate state case. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2002 for probation violations connected to drug offenses and solicitation of prostitution. He was released after serving 11 months.

Connections to Trump’s Agenda

Darryl Strawberry is the second former contestant of Trump’s reality show, “The Celebrity Apprentice,” to receive a pardon. Earlier in February, Trump pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Trump has shown a notable increase in using his clemency powers during his second term, granting pardons to more than 1,000 individuals linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He also recently commuted the sentence of former GOP Representative George Santos.

Conclusion

The clemency granted to Darryl Strawberry highlights Trump’s ongoing engagement with notable figures from the sports and entertainment industries. The decision reflects Strawberry’s transformation and the president’s controversial use of pardons throughout his administration.