Rumors are what rumors are, but, sometimes, where there’s smoke…there’s occasionally (gun)fire.
Social media reports out of the Dominican Republic are that Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro and his entourage were involved in a nightclub shooting late Saturday night.
Source from DR : #cubs SS Starlin Castro was part of shooting outside Dubai Club in Santiago Caballeros, DR last night
— Chicago Cubs Reports ✭ (@TheCubsReporter) December 7, 2014
According to one source, it all started when “someone accidentally spilled a glass of champagne” on the three-time All-Star. Shots were fired, some say, by members of Castro’s party and, depending on what you read…either two or three men were injured.
Other reports say it was Castro himself who channeled his inner-Tony Montana and went all gangster, firing a machine gun into the crowd. Even more folks have said that the whole thing happened outside the club.
I know, I know…it’s all very, very vague.
One bystander even posted this video, but, it’s not the best and, honestly…who can even tell where it was recorded?
Now, whatever is going on, it was enough for the 24-year-old to take to Instagram and address the situation.
“I want to reiterate that I am not in any trouble. Please ignore any rumors you see on the Internet as that is all they are,” Castro posted on Sunday. “I do not have any problems with anybody and was just enjoying the concert with my family including both my parents and younger brother. I don’t have any knowledge as to what happened and there is no reason I need to be involved.”
But…we’ve heard that all before.
However this whole thing shakes out, the postseason has already proved to be an interesting one for the Cubs…and it has nothing to do with Wrigley Field being in an utter state of disrepair and rumors of Jon Lester heading to the Windy City.
Last month, Junior Lake was involved in a bench-clearing skirmish during Winter League and, more recently, pitcher Pedro Strop was in a car accident.
How many days until pitchers and catchers report? Until then, you can assume that, if something comes from these recent allegations, the papers will be flooded with “Fallen Star(lin)” headlines.
***UPDATE***
Depending on what source you read, Starlin Castro (along with free agent outfielder Engel Beltre) are either expected to be questioned by local officials given their proximity to the shooting late Saturday night…or not.
“Police haven’t questioned him or done anything. They know he wasn’t involved. He said he didn’t even know who it was,” Castro’s agent, Paul Kinzer, told The Chicago Sun Times. “He happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Agent for Castro says nothing to report he was questioned by DR police after a shooting. Was at concert w/ family when shots fired nearby.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) December 8, 2014
Castro agent: Starlin not remotely considered involved in shooting. Heard shots, took cover with family behind car. "No idea" who it was.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) December 8, 2014
Makes sense…but that directly conflicts with this.
https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/541762873978929152
And here’s where it gets weird. Again.
According to reports, Santiago Police are saying at least one of the two players (he didn’t specify which one) was carrying a firearm during the shooting incident that sent three to the hospital.
Stay tuned.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
