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Phillies' Urbina investigated for assault in Venezuela

Zvon Oct 19 2005 10:43 PM

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ugueth Urbina was questioned and released by police after being accused of assaulting several men after a party at his family's home. Police said the incident occurred early Sunday after a welcome-home party for the Major League Baseball player when a dispute broke out between Urbina and two of his workers over a missing firearm. "Under confusing circumstances, five workers were injured ... one of them suffering back burns and on the right arm," a statement from local investigators said. The incident occurred in the house of Urbina's mother, Maura Villareal, in the town of Ocumare del Tuy, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Caracas. "He hit us, threatened us with machetes, poured gasoline on us and, it was only by chance that he didn't burn us all," said Argenis Farias, one of the five laborers who was hurt in the incident. Though Urbina was released after questioning, the investigation continues. The player was unavailable for immediate comment. It was the second violent incident in a year for the Urbina family. Urbina's mother was kidnapped by drug traffickers in September 2004 and held for $6 million ransom. She was rescued five months later in a mountainous zone in southern Venezuela. Urbina has a 44-49 record with 237 saves and a 3.45 ERA in 11 seasons. He was 4-3 with one save and a 4.13 ERA in his first season with the Phillies, who acquired him in June. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service

Zvon Oct 19 2005 10:43 PM

I knew the guy threw heat, but this is rediculous ;)

Centerfield Oct 20 2005 11:16 AM

Ba-dum ching! The five workers declined to comment whether Urbina's tendency to roll up his right sleeve instigated the incident.

HahnSolo Oct 20 2005 11:23 AM

"He hit us, threatened us with machetes, poured gasoline on us..." Okay, at what point do you say to yourself that maybe this guy is a little loco and get the hell out of there? Were the free tapas that good?

Yancy Street Gang Oct 20 2005 11:27 AM

When I read this story, I found myself wondering if Urbina's swimming pool is electrified. I don't know what would be worse: going to a barbeque hosted by Urbina, or a pool party at Mariano Rivera's house.

Edgy DC Oct 20 2005 11:49 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Oct 20 2005 04:01 PM

It's really only a matter of hours before his agent and/or lawyer release a statement that says Ugueth is a victim of exortion and looks forward to the truth coming out and these scurrilous charges being dismissed, but, no, he is not talking to the media. Book it.

Centerfield Oct 20 2005 03:42 PM

Loss of a day-and-a-half means loss of "Grounded Out." Can't have that. I've lost about 300-odd posts and I'm back to being Tim Harkness.

MFS62 Oct 20 2005 04:00 PM

]Urbina has a 44-49 record with 237 saves and a 3.45 ERA in 11 seasons. He was 4-3 with one save and a 4.13 ERA in his first season with the Phillies, who acquired him in June. Did that really belong in the story? That's what happens when you turn around too fast when somebody yells out, "Hey U" Later

cooby Oct 21 2005 08:52 AM

I think it's all his mom's fault, she sounds like a rabble rouser