TMZ.com ran a story this afternoon detailing an October 2009 accusation of sexual battery against Mets ace Johan Santana. He addressed the report before Thursday’s game against the Tigers, reading a pre-written statement in the Citi Field clubhouse while surrounded by several media types. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo was in attendance. As you can probably guess, Santana didn’t say much.
“I’m aware of the situation. What I can tell you is that police have investigated these claims last year, and I was never charged with anything, and the case is closed. Unfortunately at this time, that’s all I can say. And I have no further comments.”
“We’re aware of the situation. It’s a personal matter.”
Santana, 31, is 5-4 this season with a 3.31 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 98 innings for the Mets, who are 1.5 games back of the Braves in the NL East. We do know that.