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Pennsylvania State Police believe former MLB All-Star Lenny Dykstra was in possession of crack cocaine or methamphetamine during a New Year’s Day traffic stop that led to his arrest.
TMZ Sports reported that Dykstra was in the passenger seat of a 2015 GMC Sierra when authorities stopped the vehicle just after midnight for a traffic violation.
The vehicle was inspected and police reportedly opened the glove box to find what appeared to be a “container containing suspected crack cocaine/methamphetamine and a glass smoking device containing suspected drug residue,” according to the outlet.
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Lenny Dykstra attends the 69th Annual Artists & Writers Softball Game at Herrick Park on August 19, 2017 in East Hampton, New York. (Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images)
Dykstra was arrested after police allegedly failed to conduct initial tests on the suspected narcotics, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. He has since been charged with misdemeanor possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Matthew Blit, Dykstra’s attorney, said his client is innocent.
“We strongly affirm that the suspected narcotics did not belong to Lenny, who is currently recovering from a serious stroke,” Blit said in a statement obtained by PK Press Club Digital. “Lenny was not knowingly in possession or under the influence of any narcotics on his person and was not arrested at the scene.
EX-MLB ALL-STAR LENNY DYKSTRA FACES DRUG CHARGES AFTER TRAFFIC STOP ON NEW YEAR’S DAY IN PENNSYLVANIA
“The driver was arrested and taken into custody at the scene and charged with 17 counts, including being under the influence. Not Lenny. Attorney Tom Mincer and our team remain steadfast in their commitment to absolve Lenny of all possession charges.”
The traffic stop took place in Pike County, about 25 miles east of Scranton, where Dykstra lives.
Dykstra has had legal troubles in the past, including serving prison time in California for bankruptcy fraud. He was sentenced to more than six months after being convicted of hiding baseball gloves and other items from his MLB days.
Dykstra also served a three-year sentence for pleading no contest to Grand Theft Auto and providing false financial statements, claiming he owed more than $31 million despite only having $50,000 in assets. His prison sentences were concurrent.
Lenny Dykstra #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches from the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a Major League Baseball game circa 1993 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. Dykstra played for the Phillies from 1989 to 1996. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
Then, in April 2012, he pleaded no contest to exposing himself to women he met through Craiglist.
That same year, Dykstra had his drug threatening and terrorism charges dropped following an altercation with an Uber driver. Police said at the time they found cocaine, MDMA and marijuana among Dykstra’s belongings, although his attorney claimed the incident was “exaggerated.”
Dykstra was a three-time All-Star during his 12-year MLB career, which began with the New York Mets and ended with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Former MLB player Lenny Dykstra, accused of threatening an Uber driver, rejects a plea offer before Union County Superior Court Judge Joseph Donahue. Lawyer Michael Brucki stands next to him. (IMAGINE)
Dykstra’s three All-Star seasons were spent in Philadelphia, where he was traded to New York during the 1989 season.
Dykstra finished second in MVP voting during the 1993 season after leading the National League with 194 hits, 143 runs and 129 walks while slashing .305/.420/.382 with 44 doubles and 66 RBIs.
