Big leaguer Delmon Young pleads guilty to harassment in New York

Delmon Young, who helped the Detroit Tigers reach this year’s World Series, pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment charges stemming from an incident in the spring in New York when he used anti-Semitic slurs and wrestled a man to the ground.

The 27-year-old outfielder from Ventura County cut a deal that will allow the charge to be lessened to simple harassment if he successfully completes a program through the Museum of Tolerance in New York. Young, who is a free agent, will also perform 10 days of community service. The agreement was announced Wednesday.

“Delmon clearly regrets what happened and took the necessary steps to put this issue behind him today,” his lawyer, Dan Ollen, said in a statement. “He has learned from this experience and will continue to do everything he can to improve himself as a person and player.”

The Museum of Tolerance program utilizes interactive workshops, videos, guided discussions and special instruction by educators to explore issues of prejudice, diversity and tolerance.

“Dispositions for defendants charged with bias-related crimes need to be thoughtful and tailored toward healing both the defendant and the entire targeted community,” Dist. Atty. Cyrus R. Vance said.

Young was accused of yelling anti-Semitic slurs toward a group of tourists outside the Hilton hotel in New York in April. He reportedly wrestled with a few of them, tackling one to the ground.

Young, who batted .313 in the postseason with three home runs, was suspended by Major League Baseball without pay for seven days, costing him approximately $257,240 of his $6,725,000 salary.

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