A violent incident from 2023 involving former MLB pitcher Julio Urías highlights concerning behavior that may have concluded his baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A 72-second bystander video obtained by the LA Times and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) captures the moments when the former MLB pitcher reportedly lost his temper.
In the footage, Urías can be seen attacking two women, one of whom is thought to be his wife. He grabs her and slams her against a fence while several bystanders rush to intervene. Urías also punches her, shouting curse words at her in Spanish.
Julio Urías was placed on indefinite administrative leave by Major League Baseball on Wednesday, three days after the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher was arrested on suspicion of causing bodily injury to his spouse or partner.
The altercation took place last September outside BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles following an LAFC game. Following the incident, Urías was arrested, and the video aligns with the initial police report from that day.
Urías pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery. He received a sentence of 36 months of probation and was required to complete a domestic violence counseling program, among other stipulations. The Dodgers responded by placing him on administrative leave, and he has not played since, remaining a free agent.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently conducting its own investigation and has not yet commented on the newly released video.
However, the footage has led some fans to believe that Urías should be prohibited from playing professional baseball again.
“He lost his chance by putting his hands on a woman. No man should ever put his hands on a woman to hit,” said Dodgers fan Eddie Garcia.
This marks the second domestic violence incident involving Urías. In 2019, he faced a suspension for allegedly pushing a woman to the ground in a parking lot, although he was not criminally charged in that incident.
Julio Urías Domestic Violence Incident: Impacts on His MLB Career
A violent incident from 2023 involving former MLB pitcher Julio Urías reveals troubling behavior that may have ended his baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. A 72-second bystander recording obtained by the LA Times and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) shows the moments when the former MLB pitcher allegedly lost his cool.
The Incident: What Happened?
In the video, Urías is seen attacking two women, one of whom is believed to be his wife. He grabs her and slams her into a fence, as several bystanders rush to intervene. Urías also punches her, cursing her in Spanish. This violent altercation occurred outside BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles after an LAFC game, prompting immediate public outrage.
On September 24, 2023, Urías was arrested on suspicion of corporal injury to his spouse or common-law partner. Major League Baseball (MLB) reacted swiftly, placing him on indefinite administrative leave just days after his arrest.
Legal Consequences
Following the altercation, Urías was charged with a misdemeanor related to domestic violence. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery and was sentenced to 36 months of probation, during which he must complete a domestic violence counseling program and adhere to several other conditions.
Current Status
Since the incident, Urías has not played a game and remains a free agent. MLB is conducting an investigation, but it has not yet commented on the released video evidence.
Reactions from Fans and Public Figures
The release of the video has sparked a significant backlash from fans and commentators alike. Many fans have voiced their opinions, stating that Urías should not be allowed to continue his professional baseball career after such behavior. Some notable reactions include:
- Eddie Garcia, Dodgers fan: “He lost his chance by putting his hands on a woman. No man should put his hands on a woman to hit.”
- Social Media Outrage: Hashtags and discussions have ignited across platforms demanding accountability for domestic violence in sports.
History of Violent Incidents
This is not the first time Julio Urías has faced accusations of domestic violence. In 2019, he faced a suspension for allegedly pushing a woman to the ground in a parking lot, although he was not criminally charged at that time. This pattern raises concerns about his behavior and reputation in the sport.
Domestic Violence in Sports: A Broader Issue
Urías’ situation is part of a larger conversation about domestic violence in sports. Many athletes have faced similar accusations, leading to debates about responsibility, accountability, and the impact on their careers. Some considerations include:
- Impact on Teams: Teams often face a backlash from fans and sponsors when players are accused of violence.
- League Policies: Organizations like the MLB have begun to implement stricter policies regarding player conduct off the field.
- Support for Victims: Increased awareness is leading to better support systems for victims of domestic violence within sports communities.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Julio Urías?
As the investigation by Major League Baseball continues, the future of Julio Urías remains uncertain. The Dodgers have distanced themselves from him, and the possibility of future employment in the league seems slim given the circumstances. Here are some potential outcomes:
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Further Penalties | MLB may impose additional fines or suspensions based on their investigation findings. |
| Potential Career End | Given the severity of the incident and his history, he may not return to professional baseball. |
| Rehabilitation and Counseling | Urías will be required to complete domestic violence counseling, which may impact his personal and professional future. |
Conclusion
The violent actions of Julio Urías have implications that extend beyond his career in baseball; they contribute to a critical discussion about domestic violence in sports. As the situation develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and societal change regarding these issues.
