TORONTO – The agent for Edwin Encarnacion says the Toronto Blue Jays slugger will fight a lawsuit reportedly seeking $11.5 million in damages, and that he intends to file counter claims against the complainant.
In a statement released to Sportsnet, Paul Kinzer described the action served against his client as “completely inappropriate and meritless.”
“(Encarnacion) will take every legal measure to defend himself against this frivolous claim, and will bring appropriate claims in the appropriate forums against all of the individuals seeking to exploit his financial position,” Kinzer continued. “This is an unacceptable attack on his exceptional character and stellar reputation within the baseball community as a man who carries himself with the highest level of integrity.”
According to court documents filed in New York on Monday, a 24-year-old woman is suing Encarnacion, alleging that he infected her with two sexually transmitted diseases during a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in February.
“Mr. Encarnacion will not be commenting on this matter,” said Kinzer. “He will not allow this to distract from his continued focus of contributing to his team’s success. We kindly ask that his privacy be respected.”
Encarnacion has retained the services of Robert Lanza of Lanza, Reich and Daniel. Lanza is the former general counsel of the National Basketball Association Players Association.
The Blue Jays open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.
— Story last updated at 3:15 PM —
