It looks like former Oriole Miguel Tejada has had his day in court and took the easy way out. This has been a bad week — can we just get to Spring Training already?
From the Baltimore Sun: WASHINGTON – Former Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada pleaded guilty this morning in U.S. District Court to the misdemeanor charge of making misrepresentations to Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.
According to a criminal information document filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia yesterday, Tejada was not truthful with staffers from the congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Aug. 26, 2005. It was part of the perjury investigation of former Oriole Rafael Palmeiro.
Tejada, 34, reached a plea agreement with prosecutors and entered the guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Alan Kay this morning.
The misdemeanor charge of making misrepresentations to Congress can lead to as much as a year in jail. But federal guidelines call for a lighter sentence.
From what I have gathered, he’ll most likely get probation since he does not have a criminal record; also, one has to wonder considering he’s not a U.S. citizen, if his visa would be jeopardized. Now, I would guess Miguel Tejada was a student from abroad who came to this country for college — yes; however, he is a highly paid athlete on a professional sports team.
I would think nothing happens to Tejada although his reputation is pretty much in tatters in the United States. As well, one has to think has after Tejada’s contract is up if he would find another job in the majors.
Considering Miguel’s age, his declining numbers and role in the steroid mess, who knows?
