Iconic New York closing pitcher Mariano Rivera is party to two claims of sexual assault at his "Refugio de Esperanza" (Refuge of Hope) church in New Rochelle, NY.
It bears stating that Rivera is not implicated in any sexual aspect of the accusations, but rather in his role in allegedly covering up sexual abuse after assuming in loco parentis responsibilities. That said, what is concerning is that the effort to hide such an incident allegedly happened not once, but on multiple occasions.
Throughout his 19 years in the majors, Rivera earned the unofficial status of legend. The Panamanian-American amassed five World Series titles and a record 652 saves. Known as "Sandman" and introduced ominously by the eponymous Metallica song, Rivera is the only MLB player to be unanimously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
As such, New Yorkers and baseball fans around the world are sure to feel stung by the news. Rivera was among the most respected players in a sport that affords respect glacially, almost begrudgingly. To wit:
Rivera is well respected throughout baseball for his professionalism. Fellow closer Joe Nathan said: "I look up to how he's handled himself on and off the field... You never see him show up anyone and he respects the game. I've always looked up to him and it's always a compliment to be just mentioned in the same sentence as him."[268] Michael Young said of Rivera: "I respect Mo more than anybody in the game. The guy goes out there, gets three outs and shakes [Jorge] Posada's hand. You appreciate someone who respects the game like he does, respects the people he plays with and against, and obviously his results speak for themselves."[269] In a Sports Illustrated cover story about Rivera that was published in the final week of his career, Verducci said of the pitcher, "Few players in any sport have retired with more reverence from his peers."[223] Rivera was the last MLB player to wear the uniform number 42 on a regular basis; at the time of his retirement, he was the only active player still grandfathered by the league to wear Jackie Robinson's retired number.[63] Speaking about Rivera's connection to her husband, Robinson's widow Rachel said: "[Rivera] carried himself with dignity and grace, and that made carrying the number a tribute to Jack... I've always been proud and pleased that Mariano was the one chosen to wear that number because I think he brought something special to it."[270] Presenting him with the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award, Selig said: "Throughout his illustrious career, he has represented his family, his country, the Yankees and all of Major League Baseball with the utmost class and dignity. It is wholly appropriate that Mariano was the last Major League player to wear Jackie Robinson's sacred number 42."[210]
Further, Rivera has tirelessly engaged tirelessly with many communities, and founded several churches and outreach organizations in several states and countries. Again, to wit (ibid.)
Rivera is a devout Christian. During his childhood, neither he nor his family attended church, but after a born-again experience around the age of 21, Rivera became religious and converted from Catholicism to a Pentecostal faith.[14][51] His parents followed his lead after seeing the difference it made in him.[14] Rivera believes that God has a reason for everything that happens. For example, he found his failure in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series easier to deal with when he learned of the consequences it had for teammate Enrique Wilson. Had the Yankees won the series, Wilson would have remained in New York for the championship parade and would have departed for his native Dominican Republic on American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed shortly after takeoff and killed all 260 people aboard. Rivera told Wilson, "I am glad we lost the World Series, because it means that I still have a friend."[288] Rivera's pitching glove was inscribed "Phil. 4:13", in reference to the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me").[289]
Rivera is involved with philanthropic efforts in several countries. The Mariano Rivera Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established in July 1998,[290][291] helps provide underprivileged children with an education, distributing more than $500,000 annually in the US and Rivera's native Panama through church-based institutions.[51] His contributions in Panama include building an elementary school, providing Christmas gifts to children, and developing a program that provides computer access and adult mentors to youths.[292] Rivera has funded church start-ups in Panama, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, California, Florida, and New York. In 2011,[293] he acquired a 107-year-old church from the city of New Rochelle for $1, and after his foundation renovated it at a cost of $3 million, it opened in March 2014 as Refugio de Esperanza ("Refuge of Hope").[294] The church is part of the Assemblies of God organization[295] and hosts a Pentecostal congregation that previously met at Rivera's home, with his wife Clara serving as its pastor.[294]
For years, the Mariano Rivera Foundation was a private institution, but during his final baseball season in 2013, many teams wanted to commemorate the pitcher by donating to his foundation. As a result, he formed a public version of it...Since retiring from baseball, Rivera has dedicated himself to philanthropy and his churches.[51][293][297] In 2014, he and Clara created a scholarship in their names that they have awarded to students at the local College of New Rochelle.[298] Recently, Rivera has organized an annual charity golf tournament that benefits White Plains Hospital and his foundation.[17] He also holds multiple events annually in Delaware, including giveaways of backpacks with school supplies to children, distribution of turkey dinners during the holiday season, and the "Mariano Rivera Foundation 5K & Kids Run".[296] In 2021, his foundation launched the Mariano Rivera Mentorship Program, a faith-based initiative aimed at serving underprivileged males in Gainesville, Florida; New Rochelle; and Houston.[299]
In 2012, the Giving Back Fund estimated that Rivera donated $627,500 to charity in 2010, ranking him as the 25th-most generous celebrity on a list that the fund compiled.[300] He won the 2013 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which is given to the MLB player "who inspires others through his on-field performances and contributions to his community".[209]
Rivera and Clara, his wife of 34 years and a childhood sweetheart, are alleged to have covered up two separate incidents of sexual assault between the unnamed Jane Doe, a teen girl, and an older teen girl. Further, the same Jane Doe is alleged to have been assaulted by an adult son of a pastor at the Refuge of Hope church. As reported by the New York Post:
However, the suit claims, that when the Riveras made the trip, where they “learned or should have learned information” about the sexual abuse taking place, they “each separately isolated and intimated Jane Doe to remain silent about her abuse” in order to “avoid causing trouble” for both church organizations.
The suit states the girl returned to New York after the conclusion of the internship and continued to attend services at Refuge of Hope.
A separate alleged incident of sexual abuse occurred in August 2018 at the Rivera’s then-residence on Brook View Lane in Rye, New York, during a barbecue for children of the Refuge of Hope church, with no parents invited to the event.
The older girl, who allegedly abused the victim earlier that same year, was invited and “once again sexually abused” Jane Doe “engaging in acts that would constitute a sexual offense under Article 130 of the New York Penal Law,” the suit stated.
The litigation also alleges that the girl had been sexually abused by the adult son of an associate pastor at the church.
Ruben Tavarez Jr., the son of Ruben Tavarez Sr., allegedly abused her in or around late 2021 and into 2022 and “continued to contact her to engage in graphic electronic communications,” according to a post by Horowitz Law on its website.
Yes, sometimes seemingly righteous people fall off the pedestals upon which the public has placed them. Pete Rose was revered for his hitting prowess and grit, but died nearly broke in Las Vegas, forever tarred by gambling.
Religious leaders galore have disappointed their flocks with sex scandals. And while Rivera isn't a religious leader per se, he has certainly spread his faith here and internationally, and it was during church-related activities that the alleged abuse occurred.
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In other words, there are narratives that suit cases like these. Could it be that Rivera, so feted and accomplished, began to believe that he was above reproach? Did he think he could simply smooth things over in order to maintain his sterling reputation?
Of course. But there are also other well-known narratives around celebrity athletes: individuals and families who prey on the wealthy and/or prestigious, making spurious and even entirely fabricated claims. The Duke lacrosse team, recently in the news after 20 years, comes to mind, as do countless other false accusations.
🚨BREAKING: New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera endorses Donald Trump for President.
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) April 12, 2024
Everybody loves Trump🔥🔥🔥
Trump 2024
MAGA🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/M0ZWJ3XZdz
The timing of the lawsuit is what caught our eye. Two days into President Trump's second term, and several months after Rivera endorsed Trump, an allegation surfaces to sully one of the president's most revered supporters? Years after the fact?
It feels suspicious, especially to those weary and wary of lawfare.
Given the particulars of the case--that Jane Doe's family didn't pull her from the camp, continued to allow her to attend services at the church Rivera founded for years, and the curious timing of the case, we are calling the accusations highly suspect.
Further, if the Riveras turn out to be guilty of coercing a teenage girl of "keeping quiet" about the several alleged incidents that were known to her parents, shouldn't the parents be equally responsible for returning their daughter to the same environs as her attackers?
The #MeToo movement is, if not dead, on life support. The absolutist nonsense of "believe all women" lost a lot of steam after the highly publicized case of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Of course rape happens, more so now that our country has been flooded with illegal aliens from cultures where rape is more common.
All cases should be investigated and judged individually, including this one, which happens to be tied to a famous and wealthy athlete, philanthropist...and Trump supporter.
We will continue to follow this developing story.
