Angels’ Outfielder Torii Hunter Leaves Team To Deal With Son’s Sexual Assault Arrest

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Torii Hunter flew home to suburban Dallas yesterday after his son was arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault investigation.

According to ESPN, “Darius McClinton-Hunter, 17, was one of two adults arrested after a monthlong investigation of sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony. Three juveniles were also arrested.”  Apparently in Texas, a 17-year-old is considered an adult.

These charges were confirmed by a press release posted on the Prosper, Texas, website. “The Prosper Police expect more charges to be filed as a result of the continuing investigation,”  the press release explains. Prosper, Hunter’s off-season home,  is 30 miles north of Dallas. The press release adds that “The identities of the victims and juveniles are held strictly confidential, as this is still an active investigation.”

McClinton-Hunter, Torri’s son, is a high school football star in Texas at the wide receiver position and is being heavily recruited by some big-name colleges.

The elder Hunter was placed on the restricted list by the team and there is no timetable for his return to the Angels lineup. Angels manager Mike Scioscia  said “”It’s a personal matter. We’re going to go day-to-day, and we’ll just see where it is. That’s all I’m going to say.” Hunter is in the last year of his five-year contract with the Angels.

Hunter tweeted that “This is very tough for a father. Thanks for your prayers and support. Be blessed, everyone!”

According to USA Today, “The Angels called up Ryan Langerhans to replace Hunter on the roster, but [Mark] Trumbo and Peter Bourjos are likely to absorb most of Hunter’s playing time.”

Hunter, currently batting .256,  is a four-time All-Star who spent most of his career with the Minnesota Twins.