New England Revolution captain Sharlie Joseph has disputed the circumstances around his arrest two weekends ago in Orlando, Fla., according to a report on Tuesday in the Boston Herald.
According to the official police report, Joseph was arrested for trespassing on Feb. 20 after the Orlando police responded to a complaint about a party in a hotel room.
In the Herald article, Joseph claims he “didn’t do anything” and did not deserve to be arrested. He also admitted he should not have been out so late the night before a training session.
Following the incident, Joseph and teammate Kevin Alston were sent home by the club. They have since rejoined the club for training in Foxborough, Mass.
MLS is currently investigating the incident to determine any further disciplinary action. The collective bargaining agreement signed in March puts discipline for off-the-field incidents at the discretion of the Commissioner (or his designee). There is a four-step investigation process, which includes notifying the Players Union, speaking with the player and the possible levying of discipline.
“We are in communication with the Union at this point in time, and we’re working with them to set up a conversation with the player as soon as possible,” MLS executive vice president of player relations and competition Todd Durbin told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday afternoon.
“I just want them to hear my side of the story,” Joseph told the Herald. “I don’t think I can get punished for what I did. I acted appropriately in terms of the situation I was in. That’s what I’m going to tell them. Hopefully, it goes my way.”
</p><p><em><strong>Make sure to download the <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/extratime" target="blank">latest episode of ExtraTime Radio</a>, featuring Columbus Crew defender Andy Iro on the CONCACAF Champions League series and ESPN's Allen Hopkins discussing Shalrie Joseph and his role with the New England Revolution. </strong></em></p><p><strong><em><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/extratime" target="blank"><img src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Iro-banner.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="100" /></a><br /></em><em></em></strong></p>
