The sad downward spiral of former major league pitcher Dwight Gooden continues. Gooden was ordered jailed without bail in a Tampa, Florida courtroom three days after he fled from police after a DUI traffic stop.
Gooden appeared before State Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with shackles attached to his wrists and ankles. He was accompanied by his lawyer and his mother. Gooden said little during the brief hearing except answering 'yes, sir' or 'no, sir' to the judge's questions.
The judge approved an agreement reached between prosecutors and Gooden's attorney that will allow Gooden to enter a secured substance-abuse facility if a bed becomes available. If no space opens up, he will remain in jail pending an October hearing.
'I think it's clear that he recognizes he needs help,' said prosecutor Pam Bondi who agreed with Gooden's lawyer to allow him to seek treatment for drugs and/or alcohol if space becomes available.
In addition to the DUI traffic stop situation, Gooden also has a domestic violence case pending against him before the same court. The charges from this latest incident include a felony count of fleeing police and misdemeanor charges of DUI and resisting arrest without violence. The hearing is set for October 25.
The judge addressed Gooden by telling him, 'if police had picked you up, we wouldn't be talking right now.'
He also commended the former pitcher for turning himself in. 'That's the first sign toward getting things better in your life,' the judge told him. 'I hope you can turn this around.'
Gooden won the 1984 Rookie of the Year award with the New York Mets and one year later, captured the 1985 NL Cy Young with an amazing 24-4 record and an ERA of 1.53. He also fanned 268 batters, earning him the nickname 'Dr. K' or just 'Doc.'
Gooden was suspended at the beginning of the 1987 season for substance abuse problems. As a result of his battles with drug and alcohol, he never reached his full potential as a pitcher. He finished his career with a 194-112 record and a 3.51 ERA and retired in 2001. After leaving the Mets, Gooden pitched for the Yankees, Indians, Astros and Devil Rays. He hurled a no-hitter for the Yankees but was never able to recapture the dominance that marked his early career.
Now, Gooden's life and future are at stake. He faces a much bigger battle than merely striking out batters in front of 50,000 screaming fans.
