Blue Jays aware of ‘police incident’ involving pitching coach

The Toronto Blue Jays say they're aware of a "police incident" involving pitching coach Pete Walker.

In a statement, the team says it's "gathering more information" and won't comment further "out of respect for the legal process."

Multiple media reports suggest Walker was stopped in the early hours of Friday morning in Oldsmar, Fla., after allegedly driving nearly twice the posted speed limit.

The reports allege he refused to take a breath alcohol content test but failed a field sobriety test.

Walker was with the Blue Jays in Tampa, Fla., at George M. Steinbrenner Field as they beat the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League play 10-9 on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Walker apologized to the team and his family and said he is working with his attorney to get a resolution.

The 52-year-old has been with the organization as a coach since 2009, taking over as the Blue Jays' pitching coach in Nov. 2012. Prior to his time as a coach, he was a pitcher for the Jays from 2002-2006.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2022.