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U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a presidential pardon to baseball icon and former Celebrity Apprenticecontestant Darryl Strawberry, erasing his 1995 federal conviction for tax evasion. The pardon highlights Trump’s continued use of his executive clemency powers during his second term in office.
Strawberry, best known for his years with the New York Mets (1984–1990) and New York Yankees (1995–1999), earned three World Series titles across both teams, including the Mets’ famous 1986 victory. Despite his celebrated athletic career, Strawberry’s off-field struggles with substance abuse led to legal troubles. In 1995, he pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion but later repaid his back taxes.
A White House spokesperson cited Strawberry’s Christian faith, long-term sobriety, and his work in addiction recovery as key factors behind the pardon. Strawberry has spent over a decade running faith-based recovery centers, advocating for individuals battling addiction.
The White House also confirmed several other pardons issued this week. Among them was former New York City police sergeant Michael McMahon, convicted in 2023 for acting as an illegal agent of China in a covert operation to repatriate alleged fugitives. Trump officials argued McMahon was misled by Chinese operatives and unfairly prosecuted.
Additionally, Trump pardoned Glen Casada, a former Tennessee House Speaker, and his ex-chief of staff, Cade Cothren, both convicted of corruption-related offenses.
This series of pardons continues Trump’s extensive use of presidential clemency, which he has often employed for allies, public figures, and controversial cases. Notably, Darryl Strawberry is now the second Celebrity Apprentice alum to receive a pardon from Trump, following former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat.
