Two Felony Charges Are Filed Against Mets’ Gooden in Florida

A state attorney in Tampa, Fla., filed two felony charges of resisting arrest Monday against pitcher Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets for his involvement in a Dec. 13 scuffle with police in Tampa.

Gooden, 22, was charged with resisting a police officer and with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer. Each third-degree felony could carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine with conviction.

Police say the 1985 National League Cy Young Award winner was stopped in what they called a routine traffic case. State Attorney Bill James said three companions of Gooden were charged with resisting an officer with violence, while a fourth companion was referred to juvenile authorities.

Facing arraignment Jan. 22 with Gooden will be his nephew, Milwaukee Brewer prospect Gary Sheffield, 18; Vance Lovelace, 23, of the Angels’ organization, and Phillip Walker Jr., 23.

“I want to make it crystal-clear to everybody within the community that I view these particular offenses as among the most serious we investigate,” James told reporters. “I can assure this community that these cases will be dealt with a very stern fashion.”