Reds Pitcher Mike Leake Pinched For Shoplifting

Added on Apr 19, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake is scheduled to earn $425,000 in 2011. That’s not A-Rod type of money, but it’s still a pretty darn good salary for a 23-year-old baseball player. Evidently it’s not enough to afford American Rag t-shirts because Leake was arrested on Monday for stealing six shirts from Macy’s valued at around $60.

Leake allegedly removed the price tags from the apparel and attempted to walk out of the store without paying. Oops. Department stores frown upon the whole not paying for merchandise. The economy might be in the tank, but resorting to shoplifting is still considered a crime, especially when the accused thief is a professional baseball pitcher making six figures.

Leake is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA in his second full season with Cincinnati. He went 8-4 in 2010 in helping the Reds win the NL Central title. Needless to say, Reds’ brass weren’t thrilled with news of Leake’s klepto behavior:

“We do not condone behavior of the type alleged, which is wholly inconsistent with the principles of this organization and our community and is detrimental to the positive direction we seek to follow. When the legal process has been completed, we will handle this matter internally.”

The crime is a misdemeanor and carries a max sentence of 180 days in the pokey. However, he’s a pro athlete, so expect the proverbial slap on the wrist punishment. It’s not known if he’ll miss his next start, which is slotted for later in the week.

Source: ESPN.com