MLB News and Rumors: Hector Olivera Charged For Domestic Dispute
Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera was arrested overnight and charged with assaulting a woman outside a Washington hotel where the MLB player stayed for a four-game series with the team. The Cuban-born outfielder was reportedly charged with assault and battery, a misdemeanor, and bond was set at $10,000 US.
"Police sources say the female victim called 911 from the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City at 6:51 Wednesday morning saying she had been assaulted. Police say the victim had bruises and was transported to Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. Olivera was at the hotel and taken into police custody," a CBS Local News Affiliate reported about the situation.
As a result, he was placed on a paid administrative leave by the Major League Baseball management while the case is being investigated. This means that Olivera will still be entitled to receive his $4 million salary while taking some time off from work to face the cases. He may also file a request to Fredric Horowitz (MLB's independent arbitrator) for reinstatement while MLB's investigation is underway.
Following his arrest, the Braves issued an official statement on Wednesday saying that the team is 'extremely disappointed and troubled.'
"We are extremely disappointed and troubled to learn of the allegations involving Hector Olivera. We will continue to gather information and will address this matter appropriately as we determine the facts. Major League Baseball has placed Oliver on Administrative Leave effective immediately," the statement reads as quoted by MLB Trade Rumors.
As reported by CBC, Olivera is the latest MLB player whose conduct came under close scrutiny following the League's recently approved domestic abuse policy. Previously, Aroldis Chapman was getting a 30-day suspension after an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Likewise, Jose Reyes was arrested for domestic abuse charge after an untoward incident with his wife in a hotel in Hawaii.
