Pubdate: Thu, 14 Mar 2002
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2002, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Section: Metro, page 2
Author: Keith Morelli

PROSECUTORS WANT PRISON FOR EX-PLAYER

Strawberry's Court Date Is Set For April 1 In Tampa

TAMPA - Darryl Strawberry will return to Tampa in April to face a judge who 
took a chance - and a lot of criticism - last year when she put the former 
Major League Baseball slugger on probation rather than in prison.

Prosecutors will continue to press for the latter.

``We're beginning to sound like a broken record,'' said Assistant State 
Attorney Pam Bondi, ``but we feel like he needs a more restrictive 
environment, and that environment is Florida state prison, where he can get 
the counseling he needs.''

Strawberry remained behind bars Wednesday in Marion County. He probably 
will remain there for at least a week, said a Marion County sheriff's 
spokesman.

Strawberry is set to appear at 8:30 a.m. April 1 before Hillsborough 
Circuit Judge Florence Foster, who was criticized by some in May when she 
gave Strawberry a break after his fifth probation violation. She suspended 
an 18-month prison sentence in favor of treatment at the Phoenix House, a 
drug rehabilitation center north of Ocala.

Strawberry was arrested Tuesday, his 40th birthday, after he was booted out 
of the Phoenix House. Part of Strawberry's probation was that he 
successfully complete treatment there.

The former New York Yankee and Met, who won World Series titles with both 
teams, broke several rules at the center, a probation report says, 
including having sex with a female resident, smoking tobacco and other 
lesser infractions.

Strawberry admitted to having sex with the fellow resident last week and in 
January admitted he didn't take his prescribed medication when it was 
handed out.

He also was confrontational during a Dec. 28 counseling session, which he 
was asked to leave.

Other violations include supplying residents with cigarettes, having too 
much money on him and giving cash to other residents, autographing 
baseballs and cards, and shaving his head, the report said.

He also was accused of making ``indirect threats'' to staff and other 
residents on several occasions and exchanging two baseballs for cigarettes 
to someone outside the center.

The report said probation officers were encouraged that Strawberry never 
tested positive for drugs at Phoenix House.

Probation officers did not have a recommendation, saying they would leave 
that up to the court.

Strawberry's defense attorney, Joe Ficarrotta, could not be reached for 
comment Wednesday.
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