Most baseball fans know them as Fausto Carmona and Leo Nunez, but surprisingly those are not their real names. Both players were-arrested recently and charged with using false identities. In addition, to using false names, they also lied about their ages and investigators discovered they were actually a few years older than the age displayed on their visa documents. Although, this is a stringent crime in the United States many people feel that they had sincere reasons for their deceit.
Both players were living in poverty in their native country of the Dominican Republic. In Carmona’s statement, he explained why he lied on his visa application and it still does not condone their actions. However, I do believe it is-justified though because of the hardships they had to go through in-order-to get to the United States. The easiest way to do that is to put yourself in their shoes. What would you have done in a similar situation for your family?
The main reason-why both players pursued their actions was because of money. Considering, the way that baseball’s signing contract policies are it was really their only choice, in their eyes. The difference between a 16-year-olds signing contract and an-18-year-olds-are a 70% difference. Usually, teams paid around $65,000 for 16-year-old players and only $20,000 for 18-year-old players. A big difference in price is what caused them to falsify their documents in-order-to escape their substandard lifestyles.
The Miami Marlins reliever Leo Nunez was also arrested on the same charges, but since he was much more cooperative with the authorities, they did not prosecute. Besides, the arrest warrant was out of date, so technically luck was on his side. However, Nunez’s situation was basically the same as Fausto Carmona’s. Both players were just attempting to-provide a better life for their families. In my opinion, I would-of-done something similar and attempted to do everything possible to improve my families well-being. Especially, when their health comes into question and it is our duty as human beings to-provide and protect our family no matter what.
Nevertheless, now the question is will these players return to their teams for the upcoming baseball season. Leo Nunez or Juan Oviedo, if your going by his real name will be able to return to the Marlins this season. However, Fausto Carmona or Roberto Hernandez Heredia, which is his real name will have an arduous task returning to the Indians this season. Since, he did not-cooperate it will delay his return, but he should-be able to play this season if everything goes well.
In conclusion, both-of-these major league baseball players committed a crime and they should-be punished for it. I am sure they will receive a hefty fine and perhaps a suspension, as well. However, to take them away from the game that they cherish the most in this world is a cruel punishment. Though, I am confident they will do everything possible to make sure they don’t have to live in poverty again. Situations like these shows us just how far a person will go to improve the well-being of their families.
