Braves’ Marcell Ozuna apologizes after serving MLB suspension for domestic violence

Braves’ Marcell Ozuna apologizes after serving MLB suspension for domestic violence

Marcell Ozuna

Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna in the Major League Baseball (MLB) said he has addressed teammates and apologized to fans for his arrest last year. The Santo Domingo native was booked on charges of aggravated assault by strangulation and battery after police officers said they witnessed him attacking his wife, Genesis.

“My fans, I’m going to give you the best,” Ozuna said, “and I’m going to be a better person, and I’m sorry.”

On being asked what he learned through the diversion program, Marcell, who has three kids, said: “I learned everything. I learned how you treat a person, how you be a better person, how you be the best daddy, how you be a human being. You learn everything from that.”

Ozuna further said that he will “worry a little bit” about fans’ reaction to his return, at home, but that “I have to change my (mindset) and say I’m sorry.”

“Treat me as the person that I was before” 

Marcell Ozuna
Marcell Ozuna

Marcell, 31, was placed on administrative leave during MLB’s investigation and missed Atlanta’s World Series championship run last fall. The League further suspended him retroactively for 20 games under its domestic violence policy in November, allowing him to return for the start of the 2022 season.

“I just tell them: Treat me as the person that I was before,” Ozuna said. “I was an amazing person out in the field, so I’m going to be like that. I’m going to give you my smile. If they’re thinking there’s no time to give me a good crowd, it’s OK. I’m set. I’m not rushing on that, so I have to earn everything that I’m (getting) right now. So I have to win and win that battle, and I’m going to give my best to everyone.”

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