Family angered by convicted players return to MLB

PORT CHARLOTTE – Friday was a dream come true for former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Bush. He’s back in Major League Baseball after the Texas Rangers called him up. However, for one Charlotte County family, it was a reminder of the nightmare he caused four years ago.

In 2012, Bush was driving drunk when he slammed into 72 year-old Tony Tufano Sr. who was riding his motorcycle. Investigators says his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

Tufano’s daughter in law, Shannon Moore says that night forever changed their lives. Tufano suffered broken ribs, arm and brain contusions, among other injures.

“It just seems unfair, you know,” said Moore. “It seems unfair that my father in law is, can barely make it from the couch to the bed and back and forth.”

After spending three years in jail, Bush says he’s changed and won’t make the same mistake.

“I realized I can’t drink alcohol, I realized I’m not the same person when I drink,” said Bush. “I tend to make horrible choices, I don’t want to be that person ever again.”

The Tufano family says they believe in second chances but this is a fourth for Bush.

“Is that justice? Apparently the courts thought so,” said Moore. “He did it three times. Each time it got progressively worse. So I’m worried for all the residents of Texas with him driving around, honestly.

While the Tufano’s still enjoy America’s game, they say they’re disappointed in the MLB.

“It sends a message to all these young kids that are in baseball that you can do drugs, run over people, act like a fool and still, still get a major league baseball contract. It’s doesn’t make a difference. As long as you can pitch that 95 mph, you’re in,” said Moore.