USA07 November, 20252 min read
Trump Pardons Darryl Strawberry for Tax Evasion After Guilty Plea and Sentence
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Trump pardoned Darryl Strawberry for a 1995 federal tax evasion conviction. Strawberry previously pleaded guilty, served time, and repaid back taxes.
5 outlets told this the same way.
Darryl Strawberry Presidential Pardon
Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to former MLB star Darryl Strawberry for a 1995 tax evasion case. Strawberry had pleaded guilty, served time, and repaid the taxes related to the case. Coverage emphasizes Strawberry’s sobriety and Christian faith.
“President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry for a 1995 tax evasion conviction.”
CNN reported that Strawberry thanked Trump on Instagram and recalled a phone call in which Trump praised his career and announced the pardon. NBC New York states that Trump pardoned Strawberry of both tax evasion and drug charges. However, CNN and Букви specify that the pardon focused on the 1995 tax evasion conviction.
Strawberry's Pardon Reasons
Across outlets, the rationale for the pardon is framed around Strawberry’s post-playing redemption: sobriety, Christian faith, and community work. CNN says the decision highlighted his sobriety, Christian faith, and efforts to start a recovery center in Florida. Букви similarly notes his maintained sobriety, embrace of Christianity, and work to establish a rehabilitation center.
NBC New York echoes the faith and sobriety emphasis, saying the pardon was granted in recognition of those commitments. NBC New York also underscores Strawberry’s on-field stature as an eight-time All-Star and 1983 NL Rookie of the Year.
Legal History and Pardon Details
The legal history presented by CNN and Букви is consistent: Strawberry pleaded guilty in 1995, served his sentence, and paid his taxes. Both sources also recount that he later served prison time in 2002 for probation violations related to drug use and solicitation.
“Strawberry... had served time and repaid taxes after pleading guilty.”
NBC New York diverges by characterizing the pardon as covering both tax evasion and drug charges, creating uncertainty over whether the 2002-related issues were within the pardon’s scope. Coverage also notes he is the second “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant to receive a pardon, following Rod Blagojevich.
Trump's Clemency Actions Overview
Several outlets situate Strawberry’s pardon within Trump’s broader clemency record. CNN stresses Trump’s expanding use of clemency during his second term, including over 1,000 pardons connected to January 6 and other allies. CNN also notes fresh scrutiny over a pardon for Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.
Букви highlights pardons tied to January 6 and calls the Zhao pardon controversial. Букви reports that Trump defended the Zhao pardon as part of a DOJ review despite claiming not to know Zhao personally.
NBC New York, by contrast, does not cover this broader context. NBC New York focuses instead on Strawberry’s redemption and Mets legacy.