Mike Leake and Reds Issue Statements Concerning Accusations

Mike Leake is in Great American Ball Park after being accused of shoplifting T-shirts valued around $60 on Monday.  Leake is in uniform but it is not known if he will miss any time on the field.

Reds Statement issued Reds Director of Media Relations, Rob Butcher:

"On behalf of the Cincinnati Reds organization, at this time we are advised to not publicly address this matter because of the pending legal proceedings.  However, we do not condone behavior of the type alleged, which is wholly inconsistent with the principles of this organization and our community and is detrimental to the positive direction we seek to follow.  When the legal process has been completed, we will handle this matter internally."

Butcher also issued the following statement on behalf of  Mike Leake

"Today, Mike Leake was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of theft from the Macy's store downtown.  Right now, he has been advised by his attorney to offer no further statements on this matter.  This case will proceed in the justice system, where Mike's story will be told.  Until that time, there will be nothing further from Mike on this episode until court proceedings have concluded.  However, Mike wishes to apologize to his family, the  fans, Mr. Castellinii, Walt (Jocketty), Dusty (Baker), his teammates and the entire Reds organization for this distraction."