At a Glance
- Former MLB player Lenny Dykstra faces drug charges after a New Year’s Day traffic stop.
- Trooper found drugs and paraphernalia in his vehicle, though the vehicle did not belong to him.
- Dykstra’s lawyer claims he will be quickly absolved if charged.
- Why it matters: The case adds to a long list of legal troubles for the former star.
Lenny Dykstra, 62, was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by a trooper from the Blooming Grove patrol unit in Pike County, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles east of Scranton. Police said the trooper found drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle, but did not disclose the specific charges or drugs involved.
Police Findings and Legal Response
Police stated that charges would be filed, but no details were released. Dykstra’s lawyer, Matthew Blit, emphasized that the vehicle was not his and that he was not accused of being under the influence.
Matthew Blit stated:
> “To the extent charges are brought against him, they will be swiftly absolved.”
Dykstra’s Legal History
The former New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop has faced numerous legal issues over the years. Below is a concise timeline of notable incidents:
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Pleaded no contest to exposing himself to women found via Craigslist | Not specified |
| 2019 | Guilty plea for illegal room rentals in a New Jersey house | $3,000 fine |
| 2019 | Drug and terroristic threat charges dropped after Uber altercation | Drugs found: cocaine, MDMA, marijuana |
| 2020 | Defamation lawsuit dismissed by New York Supreme Court | Judge Robert D. Kalish noted Dykstra’s reputation was already tarnished |
Past Criminal Convictions
- California prison for bankruptcy fraud, including hiding baseball gloves, served more than six months concurrently with a three-year sentence for grand theft auto and false financial statements.
- Claimed $31 million debt but possessed only $50 000 in assets.
Key Takeaways
- Dykstra is now facing new drug charges after a New Year’s traffic stop.
- His lawyer insists he will be cleared quickly if charged.
- The case adds to a long list of prior legal troubles, including fraud, theft, and drug-related incidents.
The latest development underscores how former professional athletes can continue to grapple with legal challenges long after their playing days are over.
