Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías is once again under public scrutiny after new video footage revealed a violent altercation involving his wife outside BMO Stadium. The video, recently released by authorities, depicts Urías charging at his wife, pushing her into a fence, and later attempting to punch her before being restrained.
Shocking Details of the Incident
The footage was captured by a bystander and shows Urías aggressively approaching his wife after an LAFC soccer match at Exposition Park. In the video, he pushes her into a fence before others intervene. Moments later, Urías, who is left-handed, is seen throwing a punch before being subdued by individuals at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that a concerned citizen reported the altercation, which took place outside the soccer stadium last September.
Legal Consequences for Julio Urías
Following the incident, Urías was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. However, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office ultimately declined to file felony charges. The case was forwarded to the L.A. City Attorney, who opted to pursue misdemeanor charges instead.
In May, Urías, 28, pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor domestic battery. As part of his sentencing, he was placed on 36 months of summary probation. Additional court-ordered conditions include:
- Completion of 30 days of community labor
- Participation in a 52-week domestic violence counseling program
- Payment of a domestic violence fund fee
- A restriction from possessing any weapons
- A protective order requiring Urías to stay away from his wife and refrain from using force or violence
- Restitution to the victim
Urías’ Troubled History
This is not Urías’ first brush with domestic violence allegations. In May 2019, he was arrested under suspicion of domestic battery. Although he avoided prosecution by the L.A. City Attorney’s Office on the condition that he complete a counseling program, Major League Baseball handed him a 20-game suspension.
Despite completing the program and returning to the MLB, Urías’ history of domestic violence allegations has cast a long shadow over his career.
Fallout From MLB and Career Impact
Urías was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball following his most recent arrest and has not returned to professional play since. After spending eight seasons with the Dodgers, Urías became a free agent at the conclusion of the 2023 season. His future in baseball now appears highly uncertain, with teams likely to be cautious given his criminal record and public controversies.
During his tenure with the Dodgers, Urías was a key contributor, especially during their 2020 World Series win. However, his off-field issues have overshadowed his athletic achievements, tarnishing what was once seen as a promising MLB career.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The release of the video has reignited discussions surrounding domestic violence in professional sports. Urías’ case has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for stricter accountability measures from both the legal system and sports leagues.
Critics have pointed out that MLB’s prior interventions were insufficient in deterring repeat behavior. The incident has also intensified debates about whether athletes accused of domestic violence should be allowed to return to professional play, regardless of legal outcomes.
Urías’ Personal and Financial Standing
At 28 years old, Julio Urías’ net worth is estimated to be around $14 million as of 2024, primarily stemming from his MLB salary and endorsements. However, recent events have cast doubt over his ability to secure future contracts or endorsement deals.
Urías has largely kept his personal life out of the public eye, with limited information available about his wife. The couple’s relationship, however, has now been thrust into the spotlight amid these troubling developments.