It’s another sad day for New York Mets and Yankees fans alike as Doc Gooden continues to struggle to stay out of the headlines.
According to the New York Post, Dwight “Doc” Gooden was arrested Monday night in Newark, New Jersey for DUI. This marks the second time in two months that the New York Mets and Yankees legend was arrested.
Gooden was picked up after driving the wrong direction on a one-lane street. Sources told the New York Post that Gooden was cooperative with authorities and was sent to University Hospital in Newark.
“It’s sad to see the continued problems of this former Mets’ star but it’s an example of the persistent scourge of drugs and alcohol in this country and the stranglehold they have on addicts,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said in a news release.
In June, Gooden was arrested for driving under the influence in addition to cocaine charges. The legendary pitcher has dealt with substance abuse problems for much of his life.
Gooden was a World Series champion with the Mets in 1986 and later, the Yankees in 1996. The righty hurler missed the 1996 postseason due to injury, but the no-hitter he threw that season endeared him to Yankee fans forever.
Those are two of the most meaningful years in New York sports history and that’s what the world should remember about the dominant right-hander.
Unfortunately, Gooden’s off-the-field issues hampered, and eventually overshadowed, any of his on-field accomplishments. Hopefully, Gooden can finally seek out the help he needs to get better.
“I just like to thank everyone for their support in this horrible struggle,” Gooden texted Jim Baumbach of Newsday. “My apologies to everyone I let down or disappointed. I deserve everything that’s being written/talked about me . . . I have no excuse for my action so I am going away for a while to try and save my life. I really don’t know who I am right now and definitely don’t trust myself. This is the worst I’ve ever been through all my struggles. But I am going to keep fighting no matter how embarrassing, shameful or selfish I am feeling.”
We’re all rooting for you, Doc.
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