Gooden Claims He Was ‘Harassed’ in Tampa Incident That Led to Arrest

New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden said Monday he was “harassed and abused” by police here, while his lawyer said he has talked to witnesses who corroborate the right-hander’s contention that he gave police no reason to stop him for a traffic offense or use nightsticks during a scuffle that ended with Gooden’s arrest Saturday night.

Gooden told the New York Times that he was “upset because the situation could have been handled 100% better by the police.”

Attorney Charles Erhlich said his investigation of the incident continues but that preliminary findings support Gooden’s statements that he did nothing wrong.

Gooden, 22, and four companions were arrested on their way home from a college basketball game at the University of South Florida. They were traveling in three cars.

According to police reports, a 1984 silver Mercedes driven by Gooden and a red Corvette driven by his nephew, Gary Sheffield, were stopped by police after an officer spotted the vehicles weaving toward each other in traffic.

Officer Jeffrey L. Smith wrote in an arrest affidavit that Gooden got out of his car “and started yelling, using profane language, accusing (Smith) of police harassment, refusing to surrender his license.

“Gooden would not calm down even at the advice of his friends,” Smith added.

Gooden was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with violence and battery on a police officer. His attorney said Gooden was also charged with careless driving.