Strawberry Gets His Release From Prison After 11 Months

Darryl Strawberry smiled, hugged his wife, thanked a guard and drove away from prison Tuesday, beginning what his lawyer hopes will be a drug-free life.

The eight-time All-Star was released from Gainesville Correctional Institution after serving 11 months of an 18-month prison sentence for violating probation on cocaine possession charges.

After saying “Thank you” to a guard, he and his wife got into a silver Lincoln Navigator, which was driven by another man, and drove off, getting only about a half-mile away before they had to turn back -- Strawberry had forgotten his personal belongings. A guard handed him a plastic bag and he was off again.

Strawberry also accepted the $100 check the state gives inmates on their release but declined a suit of clothes, prison officials said. Strawberry refused to talk to reporters.

According to Florida Department of Corrections records, Strawberry is moving back in with his wife, Charisse, and his three children at a gated community in Lutz.

Strawberry and his wife plan to stay in Florida for a few days before a trip to California, lawyer Darryl Rouson said. He said the Strawberrys also are planning marriage counseling.

From Associated Press