Cleveland Police release info on Scheppers altercation

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Police Department released more information on the altercation between Rangers pitcher Tanner Scheppers and others early Friday morning in downtown Cleveland.

"The preliminary investigation reveals that on Friday, July 26, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Texas Ranger pitcher Tanner Scheppers was involved in a physical altercation at Panini's Bar, located on W. 6th Street," said Cleveland public information officer Sgt. Sammy Morris in an email.

"Further investigation reveals that the altercation was called in by Downtown Alliance workers, and that Third District officers responded to the scene to investigate. Once on scene, officers attempted to get information from Scheppers for a report. However, he refused to provide information and refused to make a police report. Further, officers called for EMS, and he refused medical attention and EMS was disregarded. The officers then conveyed Scheppers and another male to the Rangers' team hotel.

"There is nothing further at this time."

Panini's Bar is approximately six blocks from the Rangers' team hotel in downtown Cleveland. The Rangers played the Yankees on Thursday afternoon and flew to Cleveland afterward. The plane arrived in Cleveland at approximately 10 p.m. ET.

Scheppers, addressing the subject on Saturday, said he was "sucker-punched" by unknown assailants on a Cleveland street while going out for food. Scheppers said he happened to be in the "wrong place at the wrong time."

The Rangers released the following statement on Sunday:

"Following today's reports, the Texas Rangers are in the process of investigating the incident involving Tanner Scheppers on Thursday night. The club has been in contact with officials from the Cleveland Police Department and the Cleveland Indians. Until our investigation is complete, no one from the organization will have any further comment on this matter."

The police were called, but a report was not filed. Scheppers was later checked out medically and was cleared of any symptoms of a concussion. He did experience a headache on Friday, and was unavailable to pitch in the Rangers' 11-8 loss to the Indians. He appeared in Sunday's 6-0 loss to the Indians, the first time he's played since the incident.