Take Me Out to the Courthouse · Players in the Dock
Cash at the Card Show
United States v. Darryl Strawberry (1995)
Charge: Federal income tax evasion on unreported cash from autographs and memorabiliaCourt: U.S. District Court (federal)Docket: Players in the Dock
Did leaving cash from autograph shows off his tax returns amount to criminal tax evasion?
The facts
A slugging outfielder earned extra money signing autographs and appearing at memorabilia shows, where fees were often paid in cash. Federal investigators found that about $350,000 of that income never made it onto his tax returns. Prosecutors charged him with tax evasion, a felony carrying up to five years in prison. He had a large salary from his playing contract that was properly reported.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Darryl Strawberry, U.S. District Court (federal), guilty plea Feb. 1995 (district not verified); pardoned Nov. 2025
Read more at accountingtoday.com. The source reveals the outcome.