In a move that has drawn both praise and criticism, President Trump has once again exercised his executive power to pardon a former cast member from his popular reality show, "Celebrity Apprentice.
".
This marks the second time during his term that Trump has extended this privilege to a participant from his show. Earlier this year, he pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), commuting the politician's 14-year prison sentence.
According to The Blaze, the latest pardon has been granted to Darryl Strawberry, a legendary baseball player and a member of the Season 3 cast of "Celebrity Apprentice." A White House official confirmed to the New York Post, "President Trump has approved a pardon for Darryl Strawberry, three-time World Series champion and eight-time MLB All-Star."
Strawberry's illustrious 17-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB) was marred by legal and personal issues. He spent 13 seasons with New York teams, starting his career with the New York Mets and concluding it with the New York Yankees.
However, in 1995, Strawberry pleaded guilty to a single count of tax evasion for failing to report nearly $500,000 in income from baseball card shows and autograph signings between 1986 and 1990.
As reported by UPI at the time, Strawberry was sentenced to three years of probation, six months of home confinement, and was ordered to pay $350,000 in restitution for tax evasion. At the young age of 32, Strawberry was also grappling with substance abuse issues that cost him several opportunities in MLB.
Strawberry's troubles escalated after he relocated to his home state of California to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite an All-Star campaign in 1991, the outfielder never played a full season again. In 1995, just days before facing a federal judge for the tax evasion charges, Strawberry was suspended by MLB and released from his new team, the San Francisco Giants, due to his continued cocaine use.
The recent White House statement noted, "Mr. Strawberry served time and paid back taxes after pleading guilty to one count of tax evasion." It added, "Following his career, Mr. Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for over a decade he has become active in ministry and started a recovery center, which still operates today."
Strawberry's transformation from a troubled baseball star to a devout Christian has been widely acknowledged. He now preaches alongside his wife, sharing his experiences and encouraging others to overcome their struggles. In a 2024 address to a group of prisoners, Strawberry was quoted saying, "There's nothing too hard, there's nothing too big for God to fix in your life right here, right now."
He continued, "God has not forgot about you. You're not a mistake to God. We've all made mistakes. We have all fallen short. The Bible didn't say some of us. The Bible says all of us have fallen short."
Strawberry's pardon by President Trump underscores the power of redemption and the potential for individuals to change their lives. Despite his past transgressions, Strawberry has demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and service to others.
His story serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their past, has the potential for redemption and the ability to make a positive impact on society.
Login