1996, Bronx, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Yankees pitcher John Wetteland in action on the mound at Yankee Stadium during the 1996 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: USA TODAY Sports-Archive
(New York, NY) — Child sex assault charges against former MLB reliever John Wetteland have been dismissed, according to court records obtained by NBC.
The former Yankees closer was arrested in 2018 after a relative accused him of sexual abuse. He was indicated in 2019, but a judge declared a mistrial in September of 2022.
The former World Series MVP pitcher was accused of assaulting the child three times between 2004 and 2006 at his then-home in Bartonville, Texas. Wetteland faced 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
The Star-Telegram reported Wetteland denied the accusations during his trial in August, where the jury also heard from the accuser. His attorney Derek Adame said the accusations were “based on a lie.”
Wetteland, a former three-time All-Star, pitched 12 seasons in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. In 2005, he was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.
