Rays pitcher Tasered and arrested

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- A Tampa Bay Rays pitcher was Tasered by an off-duty police officer Thursday night at the Hyde Park Café.

According to police, pitcher Rafael Reyes, known as Al Reyes, was arrested after being Tasered twice by the officer.

Witnesses said Reyes was drunk and stumbled against a ceramic pot, but thought someone pushed him. The witnesses said he got into an argument with a man who punched him in the face and caused the player to bleed.

Reyes reportedly spat blood at onlookers and that's when the officer warned him to stop. When he refused, the officer warned him and then Tasered Reyes. He began to get up -- prompting the officer to Taser him a second time.

Reyes is charged with fighting in public. The man who threw the punch is charged with battery.

Both have been released.

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