TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Rays Pitcher May Face More Charges After Fight At Bar
Associated Press photo by ROB CARR
Al Reyes, seen here after giving up two runs to the Baltimore Orioles during the eighth inning of a baseball game on April 2 in Baltimore, was arrested early Friday morning after a fight at a popular South Tampa bar.
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Published: April 11, 2008
Updated: 04/11/2008 11:57 am
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TAMPA - Police and prosecutors are discussing whether to file additional charges against a Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher who police say spat blood on people outside a South Tampa bar.
Tampa police zapped Rafael "Al" Reyes twice with a Taser about 2:30 Friday morning after a fight outside Hyde Park Café. Police charged him with a misdemeanor related to causing a fight and released him on his own recognizance.
However, police are reviewing the situation with the state attorney's office, and additional charges could be filed, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.
Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said this morning that the team just learned of the situation and is looking into it.
Witnesses told police Reyes, who turned 38 on Thursday, fell against a ceramic pot while leaving the bar. He exchanged words with another individual, Eduardo Mora, who he thought had pushed him into the pot, police said.
Mora then punched Reyes in the face, and bouncers grabbed Mora, police said.
Witnesses told police that Reyes, who appeared to be intoxicated, began to spit blood on people and swing his arms. Bouncers tried to control the right-handed pitcher but could not, police said.
Officer S. Barber, who was working an extra-duty security job at the bar, yelled, "Stop! Police!" and tried to calm Reyes, police said. When Reyes continued to thrash about and spit, the officer used his Taser, police said.
The impact knocked Reyes to the ground, but Reyes ignored the officer's command to stay down and was Tased a second time, police said.
Reyes then calmed and was treated on the scene for a cut on his nose, police said.
Mora was charged with misdemeanor battery and also was released on his own recognizance, police said.
The Hyde Park Café, at 1806 W. Platt St., is the same bar where police arrested "American Idol" contestant Jessica Sierra last April on a felony battery charge, saying she struck a patron in the head with a glass. That case is pending.
Since April 11, 2007, there have been 29 disturbances, nine assaults or batteries and eight fights reported at this address, police records show.
McElroy said officers work extra-duty security jobs there Thursday through Saturday and provide extra patrols around the bar because of the crowds. "When you have a large crowd and a large amount of alcohol, there are going to be issues," she said.
Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( Defiant ) on April 11, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Another immature, overpaid athlete out drinking and getting so drunk he can't even stand up and then blames someone else for his own drunkeness. Should be working on his game instead of acting the fool. Hope the Rays cut him immediately for this kind of stupidity.
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Posted by ( goodhands33637 ) on April 11, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Don't tase me bro!
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Posted by ( servicewanted ) on April 11, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here we go again.They have all kinds on coaches from bullpen to Quality management.Can`t they get some coaches to watch there players during season.Do`nt tell me there grown men,because there not acting like one.
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Posted by ( impartial_observer ) on April 11, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
No me tase hermano
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Posted by ( kostoff ) on April 11, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
shame that for the most part all we see is the negative about atheletes. oh well, just another typical day in tampa
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Posted by ( GF ) on April 11, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Even the Bad News Bears could fight.
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Posted by ( MrWilkins ) on April 11, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
lol... gotta love the HPC.
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Posted by ( mishymale ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
rays really seem to pick the winners dont they
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Posted by ( GatorsFan ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A fight involving a drunken neo-faux wannabe celebrity? In a bar? On posh, stylish, high-class, fashionable, chic, exclusive, grand, upscale, up-market; classy, swanky, snazzy, ritzy, la-di-da,, fancy-schmancy, swank, tony, tow-away zoned Howard Avenue at 2:30 in the morning? The mind boggles!
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Posted by ( rambler ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Hazards of Dukes, the sequel
I thought we were over this kind of player drama when we got rid of Elijah Dukes.
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Posted by ( GF ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Al Reyes is a stand up guy." "he may of been intoxicated and when the guy hit him he had no idea what was going on."
OK. I know a lot of stand up guys that are total shizz holes when "intoxicated".
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Posted by ( brianw73 ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:54 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( toekneed ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nothing good ever happens after 12:00 in a bar! For example: My first marrige!
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Posted by ( colonel ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Obviously he was pushed"? Article says he fell and thought he was pushed.
Tase him again!
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Posted by ( specialtimes ) on April 11, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If these clowns would spend as much time on there game as in bars they would not be giving up runs in relief like HE does. He made it back to the bigs and now don't know how to stay there. HE hasn't been the pitcher he was a year ago. ONCE HE GOT some success he want straight to the sh** house to celebrate, and seems like he still is. GROWN MEN going nuts, need a tv show about all of them.
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Posted by ( dahockeygrl ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
And if this were just an average joe chances are it wouldn't have made news. Just another fight at another over priced bar (sorry, Tommy HPC just hasn't been the same since that first year . . .) by another over-paid athlete. On the other hand, did Reyes hit the guy with his pitching hand?
When you get into a fight with a drunk you don't hit him with your pitching hand - Bull Durham (1988)
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Posted by ( JackNelsonSteward ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'll tell ya ... I've seen a Taser in use, and it they have to "Tase" you twice? ... You are a SLOOOW learner!!
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Posted by ( JJJJJ ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:33 a.m.
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Posted by ( luvco ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yeah, let's ban alcohol, since it worked so well the first time. What an idiotic statement.
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Posted by ( GF ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Slow learner, or totally blitzed.
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Posted by ( RMatSLC ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
That "Don't Tase Me" in Spanish comment is F-ing hilarious!!!!!!
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Posted by ( SaveFerris ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Another high priced athlete acting the total a-hole in public? Say it aint so! At least he wasn't taking a leak on the dance floor.
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Posted by ( Elijah ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey Al Reyes...
Go take some more roids!!!
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Posted by ( bgraham309 ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Get a grip folks. Who has not got drunk on their birthday? So he got in a fight. Strike that he got mad and got punched. So the cop had to zap him. As badly as the Rays have been playing lately, I cannot blame him for being a bit angry. He will pay the fine like you and me and go back to work. Grow up Tampa this is only news because we the public love to ridicule others for their follies. Remember he got the fine and the fat lip. I think he is paying a price for this episode don't you!
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Posted by ( SaveFerris ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:04 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( SaveFerris ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Harsh TBO, I thought it was funny. My mom talks like that. :(
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Posted by ( caracus ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I could care less about this story. What I hate even more are the idiots that have to say "don't tase me bro" everytime there is a story like this.
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Posted by ( politicalmike ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
So if you party in South Tampa or International Plaza there is a chance you can get spit on with blood or urinated on.
How awesome...
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Posted by ( astronerd37 ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ikaruga. Probition didn't work the first time. What makes you think it would work now!
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Posted by ( pacman2033 ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hyde Park Cafe...what a place to go...first Jessica Sierra now this. Both thought someone else had hit/pushed them. If this is happing there how many people are leaving and driving? Maybe they should rethink how much alcohol they serve someone.
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Posted by ( jprestig ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
C'mon now....who doesn't love getting blood spit on them while sipping a $12 beer??
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Posted by ( JailBadJudges ) on April 11, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh please, this is not that big a deal. Who hasn't overdone a little on their birthday and gotten a bit rowdy. Police reports are never close to accurate and this one sounds especially unrealistic. If it wasn't an athlete, you'd never hear about it.
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Posted by ( brianw73 ) on April 11, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am going to go out on a limb here, and say that Ikaruga is the most ignorant and moronic person I have seen comment on this article.
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Posted by ( Jasmine501 ) on April 11, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Another fine role model.
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Posted by ( JBird ) on April 11, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
My only comment is a question; Why weren't any of his friends there to help him celebrate? To make sure he didn't get into any trouble. Maybe there is a problem he needs to face, or maybe it was just because it was a school night. Only he knows for sure.
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on April 11, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thank You Sir! May I have another?
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Posted by ( acuratl96 ) on April 11, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
? Is this the same bar where Jessica Sierra hit someone, what are they putting in those drinks.
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on April 11, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I love how everybody hates on athletes who do the same as everyday joes. The difference is they are celebs and we are not. Let it go, it is a non story.
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Posted by ( DjBlaze ) on April 11, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Hyde Park Cafe is the place to be for quality entertainment, excellent service, and a gorgeous decor. Uniformed off-duty officers are present every night, and RARELY have much to do. Every once in a while something will happen, however the frequency of such incidences is very low. This safe atmosphere attracts some of Tampa Bay's most beautiful ladies. Don't take my word for it, come out and experience Hyde Park Cafe for yourself ! See me, Dj Blaze on Tuesday and Friday nights in our main room Velociti. I love music and I love to make our patrons dance !! You are safe at The Hyde Park Cafe !!!! I guarrantee it !! This is NO thug club, PERIOD.
Take Care,
BLAZE
djblaze.com
thehydeparkcafe.com
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Posted by ( romans12v19 ) on April 11, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Man, I wish I had been there....
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Posted by ( Major7th ) on April 11, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Another over paid ballplayer with a temper, such a fine example to set for the youth of America
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on April 11, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
( DjBlaze )
If you have not heard DJBLaze spin you need to get out there and shake a lil something. The first time I went there, I felt like I just walked onto the set of 90210. Hotties everywhere! Very nice classy place.
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Posted by ( IREADER ) on April 11, 2008 at 1:42 p.m.
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Posted by ( taipan ) on April 11, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Taser mij alsjeblieft niet broer!!!
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Posted by ( dani_2525 ) on April 11, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I love how everybody hates on athletes who do the same as everyday joes. The difference is they are celebs and we are not. Let it go, it is a non story.
.....um no. the majority of people that like to go out and have a few drinks do NOT end the night spitting on people and getting arrested.
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Posted by ( Netvampn2 ) on April 11, 2008 at 3:43 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( fanofbolts ) on April 11, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"I love how everybody hates on athletes who do the same as everyday joes. The difference is they are celebs and we are not. Let it go, it is a non story."
Actually the difference is they get paid millions we do not. He plays for the Tampa Bay Rays, we do not. He has a certain responsibility to the team and the community(through the team), we do not. He has more than enough money to furnish his own party at a hotel or his house and avoid instances like this.
Better yet, what a great example to set for the young kids on the team.
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Posted by ( DennyPCrane ) on April 11, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ikaruga, using your reasoning the officer on duty should have just let Reyes continue to spit blood and flail at customers who had nothing to do with the incident. The officer should have just looked the other way and done nothing. Doesn't sound too intelligent to me, does it to anyone else? But then again by your own reasoning "police officers and bouncers are pieces of crap who start things with people for their won benefit." Would you mind explaining what benefit the officer would have received from this incident? And yes, Reyes is a criminal. He committed a crime. That is what a criminal is. As far a banning alcohol, probition was a failure doomed from the start. Probition was the beginning of organized crime. They thrived on it. There were thousands of murders and other crimes committed by organized crime trying to control alcohol sales. Ever hear of Al Capone? Either you are lying and were drunk when you wrote your statements or you just have no common sense at all.
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Posted by ( gatorman2k1 ) on April 11, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Reyes is a pretty decent guy... regardless of the circumstances, I'm sure he's disappointed in himself this morning and I bet he won't let it happen again.
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Posted by ( jp2 ) on April 11, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
bgraham, I for one don't have to have a DRINK on my birthday to enjoy it!
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Posted by ( greenbeagle ) on April 12, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DennyPCrane... It is very obvious that Ikaruga is either someone who has seen the inside of a cell, or he/she is a cop-wannabe that never made it through the Police Academy or was never allowed to enter. Anytime there is someone who displays THAT much hatred towards law enforcement, it indicates to me that they are angry at something they can't be, but wanted to be. He or she was way over the line for a normal response. So, Ikaruga, move on - you couldn't be a cop - just work at what you could be and accept it.
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Posted by ( chuckhill ) on April 12, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is what makes the Rays a class outfit.
Out all night drinking during the season.
Get in fight with cops, beat up, arrested drunk AND READY TO PITCH.
In the open-air stadium the suits are pushing down our throats the hungover players can lie in the sun to sober up before the game, huh.
Pay me a couple of million a year and I guarantee you I can stay out of trouble. In bed by 10 and ready to play next day.
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Posted by ( altedbaseball ) on April 12, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
yo quiero MAS tequila........
what is a 38 year old doing at a "dance club?"
sounds funky to me.
maybe he is a member of a "cult," like the one in texas.
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Posted by ( gnatv ) on April 12, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
GNAtv.com exclusive video of this event :)
http://blip.tv/file/821567
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Posted by ( gnatv ) on April 12, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
actually this link is more suitable:
gnatv.com/node/139
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Posted by ( frankB ) on April 13, 2008 at 4:54 p.m.
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