President Donald Trump has granted clemency to former MLB player Darryl Strawberry, who was charged with tax evasion back in 1995.
Trump’s approval of the pardon was confirmed by a White House official, highlighting Strawberry’s achievements as a three-time World Series champion and eight-time All-Star. Strawberry had pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and served time in prison, but has since turned his life around, embracing sobriety and starting a recovery center in Florida.
In an Instagram post, Strawberry expressed his gratitude, sharing that he learned about the clemency in a call from Trump. He recalled their conversation fondly, with Trump reminiscing about Strawberry’s success in New York baseball and praising him as one of the greatest players of the 1980s.
Strawberry’s past includes not only his tax issues but also an 18-month prison sentence served in 2002 for probation violations related to drug use and solicitation. He was released after 11 months.
This pardon marks Strawberry as the second contestant from Trump’s reality show, “The Celebrity Apprentice,” to receive clemency. Notably, Trump has been more active in using his clemency powers during his second term, having granted pardons to many individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
The subject of clemency and presidential pardons can be controversial. Recent statistics show that in the last year, clemency requests have seen a significant increase, reflecting a growing public interest in justice reform. Social media users often voice their opinions on these decisions, with reactions ranging from support for giving second chances to criticism regarding perceived favoritism.
Amid these developments, Trump has faced scrutiny in public interviews, particularly about pardons he has granted, such as those connected to financial offenses. This ongoing discussion highlights the complex nature of clemency—a blend of justice, politics, and individual narratives. For those interested in exploring more about clemency processes and recent cases, resources like the U.S. Department of Justice provide official insights.
