Retired Major League Baseball shortstop Rafael Furcal is facing serious legal trouble in South Florida after turning himself in to authorities.
The 47-year-old was booked at Broward County Jail on Wednesday and released shortly afterward on bail, according to public records.
Furcal, a World Series champion and 3-time All-Star, is now charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and launching a projectile – legally referred to as a “missile” – into an occupied vehicle.
The Sunrise Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Furcal on Monday, but have so far declined to release specific information about the circumstances behind the charges.
Court documents reviewed by media outlets did not list a defense attorney for Furcal, and his former agent, Paul Kinzer, declined to comment or provide a means to contact Furcal.
In a statement given to Dominican journalist Tenchy Rodríguez, Furcal claimed he was acting in self-defense.
He said he threw a rock at a truck after the driver allegedly came at him with a knife. Authorities are reportedly reviewing his account as part of an ongoing investigation.
Furcal enjoyed a 14-year career in Major League Baseball, debuting in 2000 with the Atlanta Braves and later playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins.
He was a key part of the 2011 Cardinals team that won the World Series, and he is remembered for pulling off a rare unassisted triple play in 2003 while playing shortstop for the Braves.
His career was hampered by injuries later on – most notably missing the entire 2013 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Furcal attempted a comeback with the Kansas City Royals in 2015 but retired shortly after being released in May of that year.
This isn’t Furcal’s first run-in with the law.
He was arrested for driving under the influence twice during his playing career – first in 2000, and again in 2004, both times in Georgia. The second offense led to 21 days in jail for violating the terms of his probation.
Now, Furcal faces a new set of serious allegations that could carry heavy legal consequences.
As investigators continue to assess the situation, more information is expected to come to light in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on the wild allegations???
