Shocking footage emerges of Julio Urías assaulting wife at BMO Stadium

Alarming revelations surface in the Julio Urías domestic violence case, sparking outrage and calls for change in sports accountability.

Julio Urías cannot be allowed to pitch again for the Dodgers - Los Angeles Times

Recent developments concerning former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías have sent shockwaves through the sports community. Newly released video footage has surfaced, revealing a troubling domestic violence incident involving Urías and his wife, Daisy Perez. This incident took place outside BMO Stadium following a soccer match in September 2023 and has sparked significant public outrage.

The Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath

The alarming footage shows Urías aggressively confronting Perez, pushing her against a fence, and even throwing a punch. Bystanders quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, but the aftermath was severe, with Perez reportedly suffering visible injuries including blood from her nose and signs of strangulation. Following this altercation, Urías was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence, later posting $50,000 bail for his release the next day. This incident is part of a troubling pattern; Urías had previously been arrested in May 2019 for domestic battery, though he faced no charges after the victim retracted her statements.

In May 2024, Urías pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge, resulting in a sentence of 36 months probation, community service, and enrollment in a domestic violence counseling program. He was also ordered to pay restitution to Perez and comply with a protective order. Major League Baseball took action by placing Urías on administrative leave, and he now finds himself a free agent, facing a critical juncture in his career.

The Broader Conversation on Domestic Violence in Sports

This incident has reignited discussions about domestic violence in professional sports. As awareness around player conduct and accountability grows, Urías’s case highlights the urgent need for a reassessment of the policies surrounding domestic violence in sports organizations. No player in MLB history has been suspended twice for such offenses, which increases the scrutiny on Urías given this latest incident.

A Call for Accountability

The events surrounding Julio Urías serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities athletes hold as public figures. With the sports industry increasingly focused on addressing domestic violence, this situation raises important questions: How can organizations better protect victims and address the behavior of offenders? The ongoing investigation by MLB presents a crucial opportunity for leadership to take a firm stand against violence, ensuring that incidents like this are met with serious repercussions.