Sad—and frustrating—news as former New York Mets great Dwight "Doc" Gooden, who has struggled with substance abuse for years, was recently arrested for alleged cocaine possession.
The famed pitcher was picked up June 7 by police in Holmdel Township in New Jersey, about 55 miles south of the New York City neighborhood of Flushing, where Gooden burst on the scene in 1984 and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
The 54-year-old Gooden was pulled over by police who found “two, small green zip-lock style plastic baggies containing suspected cocaine,” according a to Holmdel police.
Gooden was charged with third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence. He faces a maximum of five years behind bars, if convicted, prosecutors said.
“Mr. Gooden is a kind man with a generous heart who continually volunteers his time doing charitable work," Gooden’s lawyer, William Petrillo, said. "He is loved by many and has the full support of family and friends. We ask the public to reserve judgement and have no further comment at this time.”
Gooden is scheduled to be in court July 23.
Source: NBC News
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