Mets, K-Rod settle grievance

Francisco Rodriguez today issued the following statement regarding the resolution of his grievance against the New York Mets:

“As I have expressed in the past, I deeply regret the incident that occurred on August 11, 2010.  I sincerely apologize to Fred Wilpon, Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz, Mets' fans, my teammates, and the entire Mets' organization. I have worked hard since the incident to make myself a better person and member of this organization.   I have been participating in an anger management program since August, and I will continue in the program for the foreseeable future.  I feel that anger management counseling is undoubtedly making me a better person and a better father, and will make me a better teammate and member of this great organization.
 
“I am responsible for my injury that occurred as a result of this incident, and prevented me from finishing the season with the Mets. As a result, I have instructed the Major League Baseball Players Association not to pursue the issue raised in the grievance regarding payment of my salary during the time that I was injured.  Personally, in this situation, I do not feel that it is right for me to take a salary for the period of time in which I could not contribute as a player as a result of my off-field actions.  In addition, I am directing each of my $100,000 annual charitable contributions to New York metropolitan area charities that further the purposes of the New York Mets Foundation.  
 
“I appreciate the faith and support that this organization has shown me throughout this matter.  I look forward to being a part of the 2011 Mets and hopefully beyond.  I want to put these issues behind me, and behind this organization and its fans.  I have instructed my attorneys to work toward amicably resolving the other legal matters resulting from this incident.  I want my focus to be on my family, my team and being the best closer in baseball in 2011.”