Horrifying details emerge from Marcell Ozuna arrest; What are Braves next steps?
By Josh Hill
Marcell Ozuna arrest details have been released by the Sandy Springs Police Department.
Trigger Warning: This story includes graphic descriptions of domestic violence.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna was arrested on Saturday and charged with felony assault. Sandy Springs police allege that Ozuna choked his wife and threw her against a wall, a report that comes from police who said they witnessed the incident.
The Braves released a statement following news of Ozuna’s arrest:
"“We learned of Marcell Ozuna’s arrest earlier this evening and immediately informed the Commissioner’s Office. The Braves fully support Major League Baseball’s policy on domestic violence which stresses to the fullest that our society cannot and will not tolerate domestic violence in any form. Until the investigation is completed, we will have no further comment.”"
Initial details of the incident have now been supported by an official report by Sandy Springs Police. The department released its report late Saturday night, detailing the extent of the violence its officers witnessed Ozuna engaging in.
Marcell Ozuna arrest details emerge
Trigger warning: Graphic descriptions of domestic violence
Police officers who were reportedly on the scene and walked in on the assault in progress detailed a gruesome and despicable scene:
Marcell Ozuna grabbed his wife by the neck and threw her against a wall, and hit her with his cast, according to Sandy Springs Police who say they witnessed it. From SSPD: pic.twitter.com/AErSrEJ9VX
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 30, 2021
Ozuna is currently on the IL with two broken fingers, and has been away from the Braves since suffering the injury.
Marcell Ozuna Braves contract situation and Braves’ next steps
The Braves and Ozuna agreed to a four-year, $65 million this offseason, a deal that includes an option for the 2025 season. Ozuna is due $12 million this season, $16 million in 2022, and $18 million for the two seasons after that. The 2025 option is for $16 million with a $1 million buyout.
Oznua’s arrest changes the terms of the deal, however.
When he was played on the injured list, the Braves were still on the hook to pay Ozuna what he was owed. After his arrest, the team can place him on the league’s restricted list and therefore halt all payments otherwise due. According to ESPN’s Jess Passan, it’s highly likely that Atlanta takes this route as the investigation into the Marcell Ozuna arrest continues.