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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, leading to his arrest.
TMZ Sports reported that Dykstra was in the passenger seat of a 2015 GMC Sierra when authorities stopped the vehicle shortly after midnight for a traffic violation.
The vehicle was searched and police allegedly opened the glove compartment 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 and Writers Softball Game at Herrick Park on August 19, 2017 in East Hampton, New York. (Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images)
Dykstra was arrested even though officers reportedly failed to conduct initial tests for 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 firmly affirm that the alleged narcotics did not belong to Lenny, who is currently recovering from a serious stroke,” Blit said in a statement obtained by Pak Gazette Digital. “Lenny was not knowingly in possession or under the influence of any narcotics on his person and was not detained at the scene.
FORMER MLB ALL-STAR LENNY DYKSTRA FACE DRUG CHARGES AFTER NEW YEAR’S DAY TRAFFIC STOP IN PENNSYLVANIA
“The driver was arrested and taken into custody at the scene and charged with 17 counts, including being under the influence of alcohol. Not Lenny. Attorney Tom Mincer and our team remain steadfast in our commitment to clear Lenny of all possession charges.”
The traffic stop occurred in Pike County, about 25 miles east of Scranton, where Dykstra lives.
Dykstra has had legal problems in the past, including serving prison time in California for bankruptcy fraud. He was sentenced to more than six months after being found guilty of concealing 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 a false financial statement, claiming he owed more than $31 million and only had $50,000 in assets. Their 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 his exposure to women he met through Craigslist.
That same year, Dykstra had drug and terrorist threat charges dropped after an altercation with an Uber driver. Police said at the time that 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 Major League Baseball player Lenny Dykstra, accused of making threats against an Uber driver, rejects a plea offer before Union County Superior Court Judge Joseph Donahue. At his side is lawyer Michael Brucki. (IMAGE)
Dykstra’s three All-Star seasons came 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 hitting .305/.420/.382 with 44 doubles and 66 RBI.
