MLB
Johnny Damon’s Dangerous Decision and His Wife’s Physical Altercation With Police Has Put the Couple in Hot Legal Water in Florida
Stephen Sheehan began his sportswriting career as a high school student covering sports for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel through a student outreach program. He wrote for Bleacher Report and Fan Rag Sports and worked full-time for Sportscasting in 2020 and 2021. Stephen specializes in covering the NFL, particularly the New England Patriots. Stephen is inspired by the stories sports can tell, from money to tragedies to breaking news; there are so many different ways to cover the industry. He monitors Twitter and various websites every day to find stories to tell in unique ways. Stephen was a 2008 Culpepper Journalism Foundation Fellowship winner, received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2013 and a master's in sports management in 2015 from the University of Florida, and is an active rugby player and former rugby and football coach.
Get to know Stephen Sheehan betterPublished19 Feb 2021
For nearly 20 years, Johnny Damon earned a lucrative living as an MLB player. Along the way, he earned two World Series rings while starring for two of the biggest franchises in the game.
Since retiring from pro baseball, Damon has managed to stay in the spotlight by making TV appearances, including a one-episode stint on Dancing with the Stars.
Now, though, the former beloved Boston Red Sox centerfielder, along with his wife, have made headlines for an alcohol-involved altercation with police down in Florida.
Johnny Damon won two World Series rings before he retired
Johnny Damon suited up for seven teams during his 18-year MLB career. After establishing a reputation as an athletic, high-impact centerfielder for the Kansas City Royals, he took his talents to Boston. The long-haired, speedy outfielder became an immediate fan favorite. And his skillset helped the Red Sox achieve significant success on the field.
During his four-year run in Boston, Damon earned two All-Star selections and one World Series ring. He finished 16th in MVP voting in 2004 and 15th in 2005.
To the surprise of many Red Sox fans, Damon joined the rival New York Yankees. Just as he did in Boston, he won a World Series ring by the time he moved on to his next MLB team.
As a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his craft, Damon extended his career into his late 30s. He retired after the 2012 season with 2,490 career games played. He also played in 59 postseason games.
In 18 MLB seasons, the two-time champion recorded 2,769 hits, 1,668 runs, and 408 stolen bases.
Since hanging up his glove for the final time, Damon has made sure to remain a public figure. He has appeared on several TV series.
However, the former baseball star and his wife are in the headlines again for an altercation that took place near Orlando.
The former MLB star and his wife are in hot water down in Florida
TMZ Sports reported that Johnny Damon, along with his wife, Michelle Mangan-Damon, were both arrested in the early hours of Friday morning in Florida.
According to police reports, the 47-year-old got pulled over by police around 1:23 a.m. after officers observed his SUV swerving around the road. During the stop, police saw signs of intoxication and conducted a blood alcohol test on the former MLB star.
The results came back at “greater than or equal to .20.”
Against the advice of his wife, Damon also provided two breath samples at the police station. The samples reportedly measured in at .30 and .294—nearly four times the legal limit to drive.
Police also said that Damon was slurring his speech and was unsteady on his feet.
When asked if he had consumed alcohol, he reportedly said “just a little bit” while making a small pinching potion with his left hand and fingers.
Damon got arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence and resisting arrest without violence.
However, he wasn’t the only member of the household who got arrested.
More details emerge about the altercation involving the Damons
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During her husband’s DUI arrest, Johnny Damon’s wife reportedly told the arresting officer she had a nanny at home with six children.
The officer called the nanny and told her that the parents “were going to jail” and “would not be home for some time.”
Damon’s wife also got arrested, but on much different charges.
Michelle Mangan-Damon reportedly pushed an officer and was uncooperative and combative during the time of her husband’s arrest.
She got arrested for battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.
On Friday afternoon, Johnny Damon spoke to the media after he got released from jail.
“I really can’t say much because it’s an ongoing thing, but I will never put myself, my loved ones, or anybody in harm’s way getting behind a vehicle,” he said. “I’m always accountable for my actions, and we’ll see what happens soon.”
All statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference.
