Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Yasiel Puig, who jumped on to the scene as a rookie last season, has had his struggles at the plate this year. But that’s nowhere near the least of his worries. According to an extensive report by ESPN, Puig has received death threats from the very same people who helped him escape the oppression of Cuba for the freedom of the United States.
According to the reports, Puig was held against his will at an island off the coast of Mexico until a rival ring, hired by the Miami businessman, executed a successful late-night raid to get Puig to Mexico City. He was granted residency by the Mexican government and signed shortly thereafter with the Dodgers.
The report goes on to indicate that Puig paid 20 percent of his $12 million signing bonus to the group that helped him escape the aforementioned island and landed him in Mexico, where he eventually ended up signing with the Dodgers.
Puig released a statement on the situation, via the Dodgers official website.
I’m aware of the recent articles and news accounts. I understand that people are curious and have questions, but I will have no comment on this subject. I’m represented on this matter, and I’m only focused on being a productive teammate and helping the Dodgers win games.
While this wasn’t forced human trafficking, which is one of the most swept-under-the-rug international crimes in the world, Puig’s plight from Cuba to Mexico then to the United States tells us a story of a man who risked everything to make a better life for his family and himself.
The report continues…
If they didn’t receive the money,” explained Puig’s friend Yunior Despaigne, a fellow defector, “they were saying that at any moment they might give him a machetazo, chop off an arm, a finger, whatever, and he would never play baseball again, not for anyone.
Via MLB.com” Next time you jump on Cespedes or Puig, just think for a second.
Fortunately for Puig and his fellow defectors, safety came in the form of a rival criminal enterprise. Unfortunately for Puig, that’s not the end of the story. Two two rival trafficking gangs have had spats since this situation broke out with at least one guy ending up dead and another disappearing. The original gang, who got Puig out of Cuba, wants its money. In at least one occasion, has shown up at the Dodgers team hotel to confront the outfielder.
Next time you question whether Puig’s heart is in the game when he lollygags out in right field, doesn’t try to beat out a ground ball or shows up late for a game, please refer back to his story. It’s a story that none of us could imagine. It’s also a story that tears deep into our collective consciousness as Americans.
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA Today