Is Bartolo Big Sexy Colon Being Blackmailed?

by Tim Reilly December 17, 2019

Big Sexy is back in the news for a Big Payment he now owes doctors. Allegedly, these MD's are responsible for helping to revive Bartolo's career.

It appears that prior to the 2010 season, Bartolo may have undergone a stem cell therapy procedure. Bartolo was entering the twilight of his career and was likely ready to do anything it took to keep playing the game he loves at a high level. In doing so, according to a court ruling, there appears to have been, in my opinion, a shady payment arrangement.  

According to Judge Jose Luis Garcia’s decision, former MLB Player Bartolo Colon is sentenced to pay $4,592,215 (10% of 45,922,148 dollars) corresponding to his earnings from contracts from 2010 to 2017, to Doctors Leonel Liriano and Sergio Guzman Durán.@z101digital @ZDeportes https://t.co/pOALAzsLL7

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) December 16, 2019

During his career resurgence, Big Sexy became a folk hero with the Mets. His impact was so strong you have to put Bartolo in the Top 5 most beloved Mets in the last decade. Between his performance on the mound and in the batter’s box, everything Bartolo did was must-watch TV. I, for one, couldn’t get enough of it. Hell, I’d take a flier on him this season as the team’s long reliever in a heartbeat. 

 

After this court ruling came down, Bartolo took to Instagram to respond:

He’s clearly not happy about it. I mean, how could he be? Who would want to pay back 10% of their earnings? He’s already paid taxes, I hope, so I’m sure Bartolo isn't thrilled that a court just ordered him to turn over even more of his hard-earned money to someone else. Only Bartolo and the doctors truly know what deal was made between the parties. 

I’ve never heard of this kind of arrangement before though. With all the debating we do over healthcare in America, I’m surprised this hasn’t somehow become part of the conversation. Paying back doctors for earnings after a procedure? Imagine you undergo some life-saving surgery and now you’re on the hook to pay back your doctors 10% of your earnings for the rest of your life as a thank you? Sure, it’s great to be alive but that’s quite a cloud hanging over you now. 

This is a really strange situation. With that being said, I would gladly have sent David Wright to these doctors if it meant getting a longer career out of the captain. Maybe it’s not too late? 

Also, let's sign Big Sexy as the new Strength and Conditioning coach at the very least...

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