New York Mets closer Francisco Rodríguez, also known as K-Rod, is trying to work out a deal with Queens prosecutors after violating a restraining order prompted by allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend’s father.
Rodríguez’s lawyer said he hopes to settle the matter – prosecutors claim he repeatedly texted the mother of his children after being ordered not to communicate with her – before his next court date on Nov. 10.
“We hope to resolve it by that date,” said Christopher Booth, Rodríguez's attorney.
Rodríguez had a brief court appearance in Queens Criminal Court Thursday morning. Judge Robert Raciti extended the restraining order until March.
The controversial reliever is taking anger-management classes at least once a week after an August confrontation with his girlfriend’s father, Carlos Pena. He allegedly grabbed the 53-year-old man, hauled him into a tunnel in the Mets’ ballpark, and hit him in the face.
He was arrested and told to stay away from the alleged victim and his daughter. Instead, he allegedly sent her dozens of text messages.
“Thank you for sinking me turning your back, take good care of my children…and now I see that your were with me because of the money…” he wrote in one message, prosecutors have charged.
He was charged with seven counts of criminal contempt.
Rodríguez had 25 saves in 2010 before he tore a ligament in his thumb during the fight. The injury required surgery and effectively ended his season.
The Mets are trying to withhold the remainder of his three-year, $37 million contract. The Major League Baseball Players’ Association has filed a grievance on his behalf.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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