Cruisers' VP/bench coach arrested on drug charge

According to multiple reports, Oakland County Cruisers vice president and bench coach Dmitri Young (pictured) has been arrested in Bloomington, Ill., for possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana.

Young was arrested early Monday and posted $100 bond and was released from McLean County Jail later that day. Officials at the jail said he had no court date scheduled.

The Cruisers played Sunday in Marion Ill., and are in Normal, Ill., tonight to start a three-game series against the Normal CornBelters.

Young, 36, announced his retirement as a player March 18 -- the same day he was named the new vice president and senior adviser for baseball operations for Diamond Heroes of Southeast Michigan, Inc., the owner of the Cruisers.

A 13-year veteran of the major leagues, Young was a two-time all-star but had off-the-field struggles with alcohol and substance abuse and diabetes. According to mlive.com, Young pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend in 2006, reportedly beating and choking her in the process. Shortly thereafter, he was released by the Tigers, was put on probation for domestic violence and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

In the same year, Young reportedly checked himself into rehab for alcohol addiction and spent three months at a rehab facility in Southern California. He appeared to have taken steps to get his diabetes in control after winning the starting first base role on the Washington Nationals in 2007. That lasted only a year as he was declared officially out for the season in 2008 because of his diabetes.

During his 13-year career, Young played for the Tigers, Cardinals, Reds and Nationals.

UPDATE: Rob Hilliard, president and CEO of Diamond Heroes, which owns the Cruisers, said in a statement that the team is supporting Young:

“With 13 seasons of Major League Baseball and six more years in the minors, Dmitri Young has had more than his share of bumps and bruises — to his knees and back — as well as his well-documented fight with late-life (Type II) diabetes,” Hilliard said. “While we believe Dmitri could have exercised better judgment in this situation, we have been speaking with his physician and are beginning to have a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding his health.

“What we are certain about is Dmitri’s positive impact on our players, their approach to the game and their commitment to competing."