Retired Slugger Manny Ramirez Pleads Not Guilty
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez pleaded not guilty Friday morning in Fort Lauderdale on charges of domestic battery involving his wife.
Ramirez's attorney filed the written plea days before Friday's scheduled arraignment. Ramirez did not appear at the hearing. He is free on $2,500 bail.
The Broward State Attorney's office formally charged Ramirez with misdemeanor domestic violence/ battery following a Sept. 12 incident with his wife at their Weston home.
Ramirez, 39, was arrested after his wife, Juliana, told Broward Sheriff's deputies that her husband slapped her in the face with his hand, which caused her to hit her head on the headboard, investigators said.
Ramirez allegedly admitted to police that he and his wife had an argument, but said he grabbed her by the shoulders and when he shrugged her, she hit her head.
Juliana had minor injuries; swelling on the side of her face and a contusion on the back of her head.
Ramirez retired from baseball in April of 2011 following a failed drug test, which would have rendered a 100 game suspension.
Ramirez was the Most Valuable Player of the 2004 World Series when he was with the Boston Red Sox. He played for the Red Sox for 7 1/2 years.
