Former New York Mets pitching ace Dwight Gooden admitted in court Wednesday that he violated the terms of his probation by using cocaine. Gooden will almost certainly serve jail time when he is sentenced next month.
Florida Circuit Judge Anthony K. Black asked Gooden if he had violated his probation. Gooden, clad in an orange prison jumpsuit simply answered 'Yes sir.'
Prosecutor Pam Bondi later told the Associated Press 'We are seeking prison' but she would not indicate how long a jail term they would seek. The maximum Gooden faces is five years.
Gooden was serving three years probation for running away from police during a traffic stop for drunk driving. As part of his probation, he was ordered to stay away from alcohol, drugs and bars.
Sentencing has been set for April 5.
Gooden was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1984 and won the Cy Young Award in 1985 while with the New York Mets. A year later, he helped lead New York to a World Series title. By 1987, however, Gooden was suspended for the first six weeks of the season for cocaine use. He has reportedly battled drug abuse since. Gooden finished his major league career in 2001 with a 194-112 record and a 3.51 ERA.
