Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker was arrested Friday morning on charges of speeding and driving under the influence, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. (WFLA’s Nathaniel Rodriguez broke the news.) Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling adds that Walker was released on a $500 bond later that morning, and that he will make a statement to media following the Jays’ game with the Yankees this afternoon.
According to the affidavit, Walker was allegedly driving 82mph in a 45-mph zone when pulled over by police. Walker failed sobriety tests, and told officers that he had been drinking at a local restaurant earlier that evening.
Walker has been a member of Toronto’s coaching staff for 10 seasons, working as the club’s bullpen coach in 2012 and then moving into his current role as pitching coach. He previously worked for the organization as a minor league pitching coach and instructor, and also pitched for the Jays during four of his eight MLB seasons as a player. Walker has been highly regarded for his work with Jays pitchers over the years, most recently credited with helping turn Robbie Ray into the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner after Ray suffered through a disastrous 2020 season.
There’s a walker joke in there somewhere.
Pete should have had his brother Johnny drive him home
I think he did! Lol
What’s a non-funny joke is the measly $500 bond for DUI.
Failure to Walker a straight line leads to DUI chargers for Blue Jays pitching coach
Penalty in FL is lose lic for 1yr 1st offense and think it’s 3yrs 2nd, but regardless.. There was some kind of bond and it’s not like some places where revolving doors for anything up to/including murderers without having to bond at all
Tony Larussa was also arrested years ago in Florida.
Johnny Damon was also arrested in Florida.
And King Leyritz also.
And Puig also.
And Benito Santiago
And Manny Ramirez
And Darryl Strawberry
I’m sure there’s more I’m forgetting.
Lots of blow and sauce in Florida.
How did he get off with just $500? A DUI in Florida is typically $500. Also, add at least another $347 for going 82 in a 45. He got off easy.
$500 is the bond for his release, not the fine. He hasn’t gone to trial yet.
Personally I’d revoke his license for life, and if he drives without a license put him in jail. No need to risk lives on people who show moronic judgement like that, driving is a privilege.
Should be zero bond !!!
People here should probably do a little bit of research on the purpose of bonds and how their amounts are determined.
New headline..Florida police arrest Walker for DUI.
Funnier would be:
“Florida police arrest walker for driving under the influence.”
Well every Major League P is going to have games where he’s going to need a few cocktails after a game. He might as well learn from an expert. Well done sir!
That escalated FAST! Like the odometer.
This is just inexcusable!! Absolutely no excuses for it. If you drink and drive you should have something really bad happen to you. Too many people have been killed in this world by drunk drivers for people to continue to do it.
Truth
Young people have it right, just take an Uber.
or you know, just know when not to drink
Virtue signal much?
Do you even know what “virtue signal” means?
Apparently you don’t if you are asking the question.
Just out of curiosity, what does it mean, downvoter?
AUTiger7222: Judge not, if you don’t want to be judged. I’m a recovered alcoholic. I’ve been sober for 11+ years. I’ve been behind the wheel so many times while drinking that the only reason that I’m not dead or in prison is by the Grace AND Mercy of GOD. Everyone has their issues, failures and mistakes. It’s about what happens when we either get caught or come to our senses.
Aren’t you recovering?
No, I was a recovering alcoholic. I stopped drinking alcohol 11+ yrs ago. I was recovering from my knee replacement 7 yrs ago. I was recovering from my heart attack 6.5 yrs ago. I praise God every day for another day away from alcohol. God has delivered me from those issues. I did have to do my part as well. I RECOVERED from the knee replacement. I RECOVERED from the heart attack. So, yes, I am a RECOVERED alcoholic.
Amazing that your god chose you while he lets so many others suffer and die. What an awesome god.
@chris i’m not a very religious man but don’t trample on the mans beliefs if he feels like god or any other higher power saved him then later realizes he is doing dumb things and fixes them who are we to judge. prospectnvstr has a good point don’t go and judge someone for a mistake or doing something stupid when all of us here has done something in our lives just as stupid least he is willing to admit to it and let everyone that will listen that what he did was dumb and you shouldn’t do it
@Chris I’m non-religious but that’s the dumbest comment I’ve read all week.
You are never a “recovered” alcoholic. You are still an alcoholic even when your dry. You never stop being an alcoholic. You will still have the illness regardless if your in the cycle of obsession and compulsion. If you don’t believe me go out there and try controlling and enjoying your drink.
It’s not a one way street, @Chris. You have to also accept what God offers, have a little faith.
Don’t drink and post someone could get hurt
@autiger7222 what’s inexcusable is that walker is making enough money to afford alternative ways home not to mention i’m sure there is someone in the jays organization he could of called and said i had one to many and need a ride home and it would of been arranged.
Well, say goodbye to your career now.
Let’s burn him on a stake.
Nah let’s just release him for $500 back into the public.
….perhaps somewhere in the middle while keeping a level head?
Or no bail at all like the BLM guy in Wisconsin that ran over all those kids and killed like 10 people at the Christmas parade.
Please elaborate
You mean follow the law what unique way of doing things.
Before or after tarring and feathering and boiling him in oil?
@walls. See exhibit a. White Sox manager. He will probably get a slap on the wrist.
“Pete Shoulawalkered arrested on DUI charges”
I guess he can cry in his beer with Zack Scott.
$500 bond for speeding twice the speed limit and being under the influence…
If you dont like the laws why not just petition for the death penalty. You can watch from your favorite sanctimonious chair on your favorite virtual signalling channel. The man made a mistake and will face the consequences.
Yes because clearly I believe this man deserves the death penalty for his actions.
Like I have said multiple times in this thread, he should be put on probation until the investigation is complete. If he is guilty, he deserves to lose his job. If he rehabilitates and demonstrates he’s able to work appropriately again, then he absolutely deserves a second chance. I don’t understand how you could disagree with any of the things I am saying on this response.
See the thing is its not your call. There is a system in place to deal with these matters and your emotive self-rigtheous prosecution, judgement and sentencing of the man without a discovery of the facts is superficial and reeks of schadenfreude.
Your understanding of anything is not my concern.
PETE is that you?! Good luck in court buddy.
See, the thing is, he will either take a plea deal admitting that he’s a reckless drunk driver or he will go to trial. So either he’s guilty or my opinion kind of does matter as someone who could be selected as a juror. So which one is it?
As if those were the only two options. This is why MLBTR closes the comments on so many posts. Too many folks can’t separate their personal politics from a rational discussion of how this transaction affects the Blue Jays and baseball.
You’re absolutely right. Let’s bring this back to baseball since apparently this was off topic.
A reckless drunk should not be working for an MLB team. If he is guilty, he is a terrible image for the sport and should be removed from the organization immediately. If the Toronto blue jays keep this man if found guilty, they are openly supporting convicts with reckless regard of other peoples’ lives.
Is that better for you?
I hope he doesn’t get fired but I would be surprised
Why should he not get fired?
Why should he be fired? If it’s in his work contract conduct that negatively effects the company, yes he could be fired at worst. Most companies give you opportunity to go through treatment first.
Why should he get fired?
1. He violated the MLB code of conduct policies.
2. He committed a crime that endangered innocent lives.
Please tell me why he shouldn’t be fired.
Because I said so.
Why shouldn’t he get fired you ask???? Just look up Tony LaRussa.
Alcoholism is the only disease that people get angry at you for having.
Goddammit Mitch you are a alcoholic, go to jail.
Goddammit Mitch you have Lupus!
It’s a joke from a comedian who drank himself to death.
I’m not upset at him for being an alcoholic. I’m upset at him for driving recklessly under the influence. There is a difference, and they are mutually exclusive.
Even worse, if convicted on the dui, he could be blocked crossing the border unless the federal government signs off.
Tony LaRussa didn’t get fired. Why should this guy?
Oh ok, two wrong make a right. I’ll write that down.
Its called precedence. Write that down instead. And lawyers seem to value that, unlike some named after a snack chip.
Get off your high horse, Mr Perfect.
Yeah because the MLB needs to follow precedence like the US court system. With that mentality, society will never progress. Just constantly hold everyone to the same standard.
Since when has opposing drinking and driving been seen as being on a high horse?
Downvoter: so you’re annoyed at people passing judgement on others committing crimes while you criticize everyone here for commenting…..your lack of self-awareness is astounding.
Because people make mistakes. No way he’ll get fired.
DoritosLocosTaco: I hope you’re enjoying living in your glass house. You come off like one condescending self righteous jerk. He screwed up. He got caught. He’ll have consequences to pay for his actions.
I come across self righteous because I think drinking and driving is wrong and deserves no place in society let alone broadcast to the public in the sport I care about? The only way to stop this drinking and driving nonsense is to have strict penalties. When everyone is let off it gives the appearance that it is okay. This will keep happening until they crack down on this issue.
….such a hero you are…..all us evil people must support and condone drinking and driving. You must be a cut above the rest…..
Thanks I’m honored you feel that way. Really I’m just someone who believes it’s immoral to drive recklessly and drink and drive. Ensuring people, if found guilty, are punished for breaking laws and placing innocent lives in danger.
Downvoter probably has 3 DWI’s…
Hanging with La Russa?
It is what it is. The man deserves a chance at rehabilitation and reinstatement once he has completed it. I’m more for firing if he does it again or refuses treatment.
100% agree. Society is all about demonizing people today. Even after they have served their time. It’s wrong.
Drinker with a walker problem.
The best pitching coach in baseball can do whatever the hell he wants! In all seriousness it’s not a good look at all for the Blue Jays organization. Your pitching coach drunk driving, going over the limit by 40mph. Hmmm, I hope they forgive him, and keeps his reputation squeaky clean from now on. Really not a good look from your pitching coach, a well respected member of the organization.. kinda depressing as a Jays fan. Not a good way to start off the season.
I’m sorry this issue is bigger than baseball and making an organization look bad. He put innocent lives in serious danger in two ways.
I definitely agree with you. But I think it matters how drunk he was exactly. Me personally I’ve never driven while drunk, and never dumb enough to do so. Ever. But he could’ve had a glass of wine with dinner, and still failed the test? I wonder how much alcohol did he consume. Don’t even know what constitutes a failed test, how much alcohol one has to even consume.. i think he’d deserve a bit of leeway if he failed over a glass of wine, compared to being drunk over his head. But I do agree with you. You definitely put others and yourself at risk..
That’s a fair stance. I do agree the degree of intoxication plays a role in the severity of the consequences. That being said, being less drunk doesn’t negate what happened entirely (not to mention speeding 40 mph over the speed limit in a 45 mph zone).
@DoritosLocosTaco also wonder how information like this even gets put out to the public. Is it the organization itself, the police ? You’d think teams would want to keep stuff like this from getting to the media .. Yet it always seems to get out there.
Arrests like this are public knowledge, especially if there was a bond process. Someone just happened to see the name and connect the dots.
I’m open to that argument in most cases — that someone who felt ok and didn’t realize they were at .08 is a very different situation from someone blacked out who blows a .25. However, driving 82mph in a 45 is a real problem for me. He was either too drunk to be aware of his speed or was being criminally negligent.
Agree completely.
He’s hardly “the best pitching coach in baseball”.
@Samuel, come on Samuel. Have some reasoning now.. Be fair.
Brent Storm does do whatever he wants.
At this rate, the Jays will be thrown out of Florida. First the Jackin Reeces monkey, and now this
This is the kind of comment you hope to see on a site like this.
Pete or Reese? Which police encounter in Florida would you choose? …and GO!
I bet Pete Walker won’t drink and drive again, unless he has a problem. Hope the correction is made.
Everyone makes mistakes, he doesn’t deserve to be fired for one DUI, especially when he has been a model citizen over the years. .
Actions meet consequences.
Everyone makes mistakes, not everyone commits misdemeanors/felonies and puts innocent lives in danger. He absolutely deserves to be fired for one DUI, as most people in this world likely would in their professions. This should be a zero tolerance issue.
Based on YOUR statement, then the following players should have been fired and had their lucrative contracts voided immediately when they were arrested for DUI.
Oilcan Boyd
Miguel Cabrera
A-rod Rodriquez
Steve Howe
Darryl Strawberry
Dwight Gooden
Jose Canseco
Vida Blue
Catfish Hunter
Dontrelle Willis
Scott Olsen
Austin Kearns
Coco Crisp
Adam Kennedy
Derek Lowe
Shin Soo Choo
Managers: Billy Martin, Tony LaRussa, and that only scratches the surface.
Players suspended and should have been fired for domestic violence which is worse than DUI are also numerous, yet none of the offenders were punished with loss of employment. NONE:
I’m trying to understand your argument. So because people in the past were not punished for things they should have been punished for, they shouldn’t be punished now for similar offenses?
Yes, now suck it
Alex Rodriguez is a lot of things but he has never been arrested for DUI.
That’s definitely not true. Most people in the world would not be fired for a DUI. He needs to be accountable to the team and the fans, and to get treated I’d he has a problem. But he should NOT be fired. Abs he won’t be.
Getting caught will a bad taillight and a .09 BAC after two glasses of wine is a mistake. Driving 82mph in a 45 is insanely stupid, not a simple accident. That’s my concern here.
You weren’t there Ted. Quit acting like you know anything about it.
Yeah Ted! I do 82 in a 40 all the time. Stop acting like you read the article like some kinda wiseguy.
Sometimes I skip a loop when I put a belt on and sometimes I do 40 over. What are you gonna do, arrest me?!
My favorite is still when Tony La Russa was arrested passed out in his car in the middle of an intersection. The article I read mentioned that he had a law degree but never passed the Bar.
A commenter said it sounded like he never passed a bar in his life.
For Pete sake, this is not the attention the Jay’s need right now. Hope he doesn’t lose his job over this, but certainly hope he learned a valuable lesson for the rest of his life.
Hopefully he does lose his job as he is lucky no one loss their life because he is too stupid not to drink and drive
He won’t lose his job. You’re wasting your time if that’s what you’re expecting lol.
Former Mets GM was fired and he wasn’t even found guilty in court of a DWI.
He should be terminated immediately! He put innocent lives in danger…beyond stupid!
Just asking, everybody who gets a DUI, should be terminated immediately from their job? Yes he put his life in danger and everyone he came close too while driving. The system must play out, innocent until proven guilty. This is the system we have. If you are unhappy with it, fight for a change.
Many people are fired every day for far less. You can be terminated at a lot of jobs simply because you had to take your sick kid to the doctor and showed up late. Someone in a prominent position like this who drives 82 mph is showing a total lack of judgment and empathy.
Simply put, yes. Probation until confirmed then fired. Second chances come later if he rehabilitates.
This is a grown man, not a 23 year old kid discovering himself. If you think this is the first time he’s done it, you are naive. This is just the first time he’s been caught.
Get it off your chest today all the pulpits are occupied tomorrow.
I’d rather be thought naive than rushing to judgement on anothers character or behavioral history armed only with an opinion.
Read the affidavit and come to your own conclusion. If you think I’m rushing to conclusions, then that’s your opinion. I believe the man deserves his due process. He should be put on probation immediately and this should be investigated. Why do I say this? Because this is how it works in the real world. Facts are facts though, and he was speeding twice the legal limit and REFUSED a breath test while smelling like alcohol. If you believe that is false or an opinion, I have no hope for you.
A cop saying he smelled alcohol or anything else is not evidence of anything. It most certainly is not a proven fact.
Unfortunately for him, it says he failed multiple sobriety tests then admitted he was drinking.
I’m curious what you would consider to be evidence then.
Here is the real issue. Pete Walker’s job depends on him being able to cross the border into Canada. A DUI conviction would make him ineligible, unless with a minister’s permit to enter Canada for 5 years. If he was a Canadian citizen, he’d be fine, but as a US citizen he may be done.
Unless he drives taxi or a fork truck, he ain’t getting fired. He’s a pitching coach. If he can’t get Nate Pearson to command his fastball, then fire him.
This is the way. Maybe Nates b.s. is why he drinks?
100% agree goose. He’s not a professional driver so he’s gonna be fine.
*The ghost of Zack Scotts career has entered the chat*
Hey guys sup what I miss
Alcohol is really unnecessary. Don’t drink if you don’t know when to cut yourself off. Sounds like he has a problem.
Future Mets pitching coach
Mets wish.
Interesting that people want him fired yet there are players that were mentioned in the Kay trial for purchasing and using Oxy and not a peep about them getting in trouble.
Peep. Happy now?
It brings out the holier than thou crowd. He will have his day in court where the facts will be heard by a real judge and not the judge of public opinion.
If convicted I think there might be crossing the border issues which will probably end his blue jays tenure.
No entry into Canada for at least 7 yrs with a DUI if I’m not mistaken, but he’s not an average Joe so who knows?
Do I think I am “holier than you” because I don’t drink and drive? No. I think I’m responsible. If you believe drinking and driving is not okay, then you would feel this man should lose his job if he is found guilty.
If never driving drunk makes me part of the holier than thou crowd, well it’s great to be here and I hope I’ll never leave.
And yeah, I will continue to judge people who drive drunk.
Once again, guilty until proven innocent in the court of MLBTR comment section.
Many reasonable minds in this comment section have had great, reasonable, fair debates/views, over this situation. And we’ve come to the conclusion that he was most likely drunk, and made irresponsible decisions. We are calling for the firing of Sir Pete Walker as the pitching coach of the highly prestiges organization that is the Toronto Blue Jays. As it is not the way members of society, and members of this organization should conduct themselves. We’ve made our final decision. Guilty. We wish Pete the best of luck, but feel it’s the best decision for our organization as well as Pete’s at this time, so Pete may go seek the help that he needs. Thank you. – Toronto Blue Jays mlb trade rumours fan/representative
Bravo!!!
@Shoguneye Thought I’d let him know the situation. As we’re firm handed here on mlb trade rumours, and hold our fellow citizens to the same behavioural standards we give ourselves. I think it’s only fair. Lol
Well said 😉
Thank you sir lol
“Most likely” doesn’t apply in court. The standard is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The way members of society should operate when it comes to legal matters is to respect due process. The MLBTR comments section is more akin to a lynch mob.
The standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” is a misnomer in Canadian and US courts. 95% of trill result in a guilty conviction.
The man did nothing wrong
I thought you could run over protesters in Florida and just get by with a warning. Jays Pitching Coach got a raw deal !!!
“It’s unclear as to why Walker would do something so uncharacteristic for a highly respected pitching coach. However, it was leaked just hours before the incident that the Blue Jays camp were in deep talks with the agents of Tyler Chatwood and Rafael Dolis for a possible reunion. The talks have stalled since the incident.”
pete walker should of asked his twin brother Johnny Walker for a ride home safe and sound
Walker is a good coach just pay the fine it’s kinda easy moneymaker for the cops
I had a dui in Arizona in 2013. cost me over $12,000 and 10 days in jail. Because of his status, pretty sure he’ll got off east. Trevor Bauer laws.
From what I understand, it takes quite a bit for Trevor Bauer to get off. ‘Easy’ wouldn’t be the half of it.
I’m amazed they actually kept the comment section open for this article…
Well the Jays had a great pitching coach.
But is he vaccinated?
“Those who are without sin, cast the first stone”
“Those who are without sin, cast the first Prius”
People make mistakes but this an unfortunate one. He shouldn’t lose him job the same way no one here would if they did.
That being said, DUI is a criminal charge in Canada and could prevent him from admission in to Canada if found guilty and charges aren’t reduced.
It’s the 82 MPH in a 45 MPH zone that bothers me most. Drunk and under the limit is one thing. Drunk and speeding like that is too damned flagrant a disregard for other people.
A 7-year-old Florida kid walking with his dad was killed by a drunk who jumped the curb just yesterday. The cops should ask Walker how he’d feel if he hit a kid at 82 MPH.
A drunk driver hit a car my cousin was in a couple years back.
Killed the driver. Cousin had to learn how to walk again. The other kids had various other complications.
12 years in prison. It’s one of those things you can’t go back from.
Car accidents happen drunk or not.
Never thought I’d ever see such a strong turnout of the pro-drunk driving crowd but here we are.
And it’s so, so weird.
Car accidents may happen drunk or not, but a lot of the time when alcohol is involved, the accident could have been prevented. There is a big difference between hitting somebody by total accident because you didn’t see them, or “accidentally” hitting them because you were drunk.
Accidents are also caused by people playing on their phones whilst driving, more frequently than DUIs. Should those people should be cancelled from society, tarred/feathers and mocked on all these woke, virtuous platforms ad nauseam? I say no. I believe each person is responsible for their behaviors and actions, not the worst case scenario or what someone else has done. But, let’s all throw as many stones as possible since we’re all perfect.
Which is tragic, of course but Walker didn’t kill anyone. Anyone can get into an accident at anytime, attributing someone else’s actions to another – and judging through that lens is irresponsible. I wish I was as virtuous and perfect as you. One day.
You cannot enter Canada if you have been convicted of a dui
The stuff you folks make up…
canadaduientrylaw.com/#:~:text=You%20can%20go%20to….
I am guessing that is the end of his tenure with the Blue Jays
The Bluejays are part of the Rogers Communications Inc. The Human Resources department will follow the standard process for all of their employees, whatever that is. That’s the reason Osuna was traded a few years ago.
Osuna allegedly though his wife down a set of stairs. There is a difference.
Pete will apologize, take responsibility, abs make amends. Charges will be reduced. Everyone will move on. Nobody’s getting fired.
He won’t be fired. The only people fired these days are ones that aren’t Woke.
He messed up big time and will pay a fine, have license suspended for a time, take some alcohol awareness classes, and possibly some community service. He will be questioned about it and mocked every time Toronto travels. Hopefully others learn by the embarrassment that it’s smarter to just drink at home or get an Uber/Taxi. He won’t lose his job over it though, nor should he.
Shoot, I forgot my soapbox. I guess I’ll let the judge and his wife chew him out if he is guilty.