Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcel Ozuna charged with DUI

Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcel Ozuna was arrested early Friday morning and charged with DUI.

Ozuna spoke to reporters for 18 seconds before his Houston game against the Astros. He made a statement but did not receive any questions.

"I let the team down," he said. "I let my family down. There's nothing more to say. It's a legal matter."

It was Kozuna's second arrest. He was arrested on May 29, 2021 on. He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with strangulation and assault after a police officer said he witnessed him attacking his wife. Those charges were dropped after he completed a pretrial diversion program.

Ozuna was arrested by Norcross police officers on the Atlanta subway and taken to the Gwinnett County Jail around 4:30 am on Friday. He was charged with DUI and failing to keep a lane and was released on $1,830 bail.

"The Atlanta Braves are aware of the arrest of Marcel Ozuna this morning and are gathering all facts regarding the incident," the team said in a statement. "Our organization takes these matters very seriously and is clearly disappointed with the situation. As this is a legal matter, we will not be making any further comment until the process is complete.

Ozuna was not included in Friday's lineup — manager Brian Snicker said a poor on-field performance He said he missed five games in a row.

Snitker said he spoke with Ozuna earlier on Friday, but did not elaborate on their conversation.

"No, as I said, I think all has been said," Snicker said. "We are disappointed that it happened and will continue to do so."

Ozuna, 31, entered his third season in Atlanta, earning his $65 million It's his second year on a four-year deal. 338, leading the National League in 2020 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI, but fell below . 215 for the second consecutive season. 214 with 20 home runs and his 46 RBIs this season. Subpar production this season has reduced playing time even before his arrest.

Snitker did not know if Ozuna would face a suspension.

After his arrest in 2021, Ozuna took a leave of absence during an MLB investigation and missed Atlanta's World Series championship.

Kozuna apologized to his teammates and fans at spring training in March.

"My fans, I give you my best.I'm going to be a better person.I'm sorry," Kozuna said at the start of spring training.

Ozuna's pretrial distraction program, which led to the dropping of previous charges, included 3-6 months of supervision, a 24-week domestic violence intervention program, at least 200 hours of community service, anger included management courses.

In:
• MLB
• Sports
• Georgia
• Atlanta Braves
• Major League Baseball
• Atlanta
• Crime