Mets’ Everett Loses Custody Ruling

Two of New York Met outfielder Carl Everett’s children will remain in foster care after a Family Court judge in New York denied the player’s request Wednesday that they be returned home.

Queens Family Court Judge Richard Berman ordered that 5-year-old Shawna and 4-year-old Carl remain together in a foster home until a more thorough hearing can be held. Administration for Children’s Services spokeswoman Maggie Lear did not know when that hearing would be held.

Everett, in court sitting next to his wife, put his head down and cried when the judge announced the ruling. Everett had no comment as he left the courthouse.

ACS caseworkers and witnesses speaking on behalf of Everett and his wife, Linda, were among those who testified at the hearing. The ACS is charged with investigating child abuse allegations in the city.

“Now we can move on to the fact-finding stage of the investigation,” Lear said.

The children were taken into city custody last Thursday, after a child care worker at Shea Stadium noticed bruises on Shawna. Police said they found no evidence to charge Everett or his wife with any crime, but because the children already were remanded into the custody of child welfare authorities, a fact-finding hearing is required before the children can be returned to their parents. No bruises were found on the boy.

Linda Everett is Shawna’s stepmother; the couple are parents to 4-year-old Carl. Carl Everett also has a third child, Kimitria, who is eight months older than Shawna.

Everett remained in New York for Wednesday’s hearing while the Mets were in St. Louis to play the Cardinals. Everett is expected to rejoin the team today.