WESTON, Fla. — Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez was arrested Monday after a domestic dispute at his home and charged with battery, police said.
Ramirez and his wife were arguing in their bedroom when he slapped her face, causing her to hit her head on their bed’s headboard, according to a police report. She told the deputy she was afraid the situation would escalate and called police.
Ramirez, 39, denied hitting his wife, according to the report, telling a deputy she hit her head after he shrugged her. Ramirez’s wife had injuries consistent with her story, but did not want medical treatment.
Ramirez retired in April from the Tampa Bay Rays after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Rather than face a 100-game suspension for a second violation of Major League Baseball’s drug policy, the 12-time all-star retired. He played in only five games for the Rays, with one hit in 17 at-bats.
Ramirez previously served a 50-game ban in 2009 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Second-time offenders get double that penalty.
One of baseball’s great sluggers, Ramirez was named MVP of the World Series in 2004 and helped the Boston Red Sox end their 86-year title drought.
He was selected 13th overall by the Cleveland Indians in the 1991 amateur draft and rose quickly through the minor leagues with a youthful exuberance and natural charisma.
He broke into the majors in 1993 and played his first full season the next year, when he finished second to the Royals’ Bob Hamlin in voting for rookie of the year.
The Associated Press
