Former MLB Pitcher Avoids Prison in Insurance Fraud Case

Former Major League Baseball player Ted Lilly accepted a plea deal in his insurance fraud case on Thursday. The 39-year-old pitcher will have to pay a $2,500 fine, serve two years of probation as well as perform 250 hours of community service in 12 months, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune.

The Associated Press reported that Lilly did not appear in court Thursday, but his attorney entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor count of insurance fraud connected to his damaged recreational vehicle.

In March Lilly filed a false insurance claim against his recreational vehicle for damages worth $210,000. He was charged by the California Department of Insurance after an investigation showed Lilly damaged the vehicle in a collision and sought an estimate from a body shop on March 19. That estimate was $4,600. He then bought an insurance policy on March 24 and claimed the damage to the company on March 28.

Following the plea, Lilly's attorney, James Murphy, read a statement from Lilly to the court.

"I would like to apologize for the terrible error in judgment which has led to the present situation. My actions do not reflect the way I choose to live. I am very much determined to earn back a reputation of trust and transparency."

The two-time All-Star played 15 years for the Montreal Expos, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He retired in 2013 due to injuries.