While in Anaheim the Los Angeles Angels shocked the world Thursday morning with the signing of Albert Pujols as their new first baseman, the first baseman of the Los Angeles Dodgers had a decidedly less pleasant Thursday. James Loney was arrested and hospitalized in November after a car crash in Los Angeles. TMZ first reported the story.
Loney was arrested on November 14 after being involved in a car crash involving three other cars.
"The three parties involved in the collision including the driver of a 2008 Mini Cooper, a Toyota Prius and Mercedes Benz attempted to contact Mr. Loney but according to their statements he appeared to be unconscious," California Highway Patrol spokesman Leland Tang told Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. "He eventually awoke and he saw all the people standing around him. He then attempted to flee the scene."
More info from TMZ:
Loney was handcuffed and transported to a nearby hospital -- where an officer attempted to give him a breathalyzer test.
But according to the report, Loney was "uncooperative" -- biting off the mouthpiece and spitting it back at the cop.
Cops say Loney began to get aggressive with police ... so they placed him in arm and leg restraints ... and a member of hospital staff gave him "an injection" to calm him down.
Loney is arbitration eligible this offseason and due to make somewhere in the $6 million range in 2012. Hernandez spoke with Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti, who said this arrest would not affect Loney's status with the club 'unless something turns up.'
The deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players is Monday, December 12.
For more Dodgers news and information, be sure to read True Blue LA.