Former major league pitcher Dwight Gooden was arrested last month on suspicion of possession of cocaine, according to a complaint from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office that was obtained by multiple outlets.
According to the complaint, Gooden, 54, had two small plastic baggies containing suspected cocaine in his possession when he was stopped for a traffic violation on June 7 in Holmdel, New Jersey. He is also being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.
Prosecutor's spokesman Christopher Swendeman told the New York Post that Gooden had been pulled over for driving too slowly on a highway and for failing to maintain the lane.
The 1985 Cy Young Award winner has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction over the years. He was suspended from baseball for part of the 1994 season and all of the 1995 season after testing positive for cocaine. He has been arrested several times and served jail time in 2006 for drug use.
Gooden told ESPN in 2011 that he missed the Mets' 1986 World Series parade because he was getting high.
A court date in Gooden's case is scheduled for July 23. His attorney asked that the public reserve judgment on the case.
William Petrillo said that the former player "is a kind man with a generous heart, who continually volunteers his time doing charitable work. He is loved by many and has the full support of family and friends.''
Yankees manager Aaron Boone called Gooden "a beloved figure in our game and uniquely in this town with the Mets and here with the Yankees."
"I think all of us probably in this room have dealt with people dealing with substance abuse, alcohol, whatever it may be,'' Boone continued. "I think we can all relate a little bit, feel for him and certainly, my heart goes out to Dwight."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
