Ex-MLB pitcher Ted Lilly avoids jail time in insurance fraud case

Former major-league pitcher Ted Lilly will avoid jail time in his insurance fraud case, according to the San Luis Obispo Tribune.

Lilly pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of insurance fraud last month in California. He faced up to five years in prison but instead will pay a $2,500 fine, perform 250 hours of community service and serve two years of informal probation after pleading no-contest to a misdemeanor. 

"I would like to apologize for the terrible error in judgment which has led to the present situation," Lilly said in a statement read by his attorney in court Friday. "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."

On March 19, Lilly sought an estimate to repair damage to his RV, which came to $4,600. On March 24, he purchased an insurance policy from Progressive and filed a claim for the damage on March 28. 

Lilly, 39, played for six different MLB teams between 1999 and 2013. His final three-and-a-half seasons were spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made $80,439,816 in his career, according to Baseball Reference. 

- Dan Gartland