Octavio Cleaves Arrested
Authorities in the Dominican Republic arrested former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel on Tuesday. They also accused former infielder Luis Castillo for the pairs alleged links to drug trafficking and money laundering. In addition, DR police are actively searching for the ring’s leader, Cesar Emilio Peralta. Currently, police have not arrested Castillo (not to be confused with the current Reds pitcher).
“Eighteen other people are linked to this network, including athletes and baseball players Octavio Dotel and Luis Castillo,” Dominican Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez said in a news conference. “[It is] the most important drug-trafficking structure in the region.” In addition, the US government and agencies helped with the investigation.
Jury Acquits Mateen Cleaves
A jury acquitted former Michigan State basketball star Mateen Cleaves of charges alleging he sexually assaulted a woman. Prior, Cleaves, 41, had faced charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, third-degree criminal sexual conduct, assault with intent to commit sexual penetration and unlawful false imprisonment. Back in 2015, a woman in her mid-20’s claimed that Cleaves had raped her in a motel room.
If the jury convicted Cleaves, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison. A 9-woman, 3-man jury deliberated for around 3 hours. When they read the verdict, Cleaves cried loudly. “I’ve been waiting for four years for the truth to come out,” Cleaves told the crowd. “I’ve been ridiculed in newspapers, in the media. … To be portrayed as a rapist, it broke my heart every day. But lying about rape is just as bad.”
JuJu makes wristband to honor late Darryl Drake
Pro Bowl receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster remembers his late coach Darryl Drake every time he looks at his wrist. He addressed Drake’s death for the first time on Wednesday, saying “Usually he says a quote to us every day, and the last quote he said to us was, ‘Never choose good when great is available.'” He also displayed the wristbands he made in his honor.
JuJu also wishes he could share more stories about Drake, but some team experiences are sacred. “He always told us what happens in the (receiver) room stays in the room,” he said. JuJu plans to make wristbands for everyone on the Steelers roster.
Dale Jr. Plane Crash, Nobody Injured
Dale Earnheardt Jr said he is extremely blessed that no one was injured when his plane crashed last week. The retired NASCAR driver issued a statement Monday, praising the quick response of his pilots, local law enforcement, and hospital staff. He also thanked people for their support and prayers.
Rangers Pavelich Charged With Assault
Police charged former Rangers forward Mark Pavelich with assault last week. The 61-year-old allegedly attacked his neighbor at Pavelich’s home in Lutsen, Minnesota. Pavelich believed the man spiked his beer, leading to the attack. The neighbor suffered from a broken leg, bruised kidneys, two cracked legs, and a fractured vertebra.
