Police footage of a domestic assault incident between Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna and his wife Genesis Ozuna has emerged.
The Major Leaguer was arrested in May and faced multiple criminal charges, including aggravated assault by strangulation. Eventually, the charges were reduced to misdemeanor family violence charges, and Ozuna agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion program to close out the case.
MLB announces discipline for Marcell Ozuna under its domestic-violence policy, an unpaid 20-game suspension that includes all 20 regular-season games he served while on administrative leave from Sept. 10 to end of ‘21 season. So, he can return immediately at start of ‘22 season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 29, 2021
The Raw Footage
The video obtained by TMZ Sports shows Ozuna with his hand around his wife’s neck just before police entered his home. The incident happened last May, and Ozuna was subsequently arrested.
Police were called to Ozuna’s residence in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs when they were alerted to “an assault in progress.”
According to the police report, two officers responded to the domestic dispute when Genesis reported that Ozuna had “took both her cell phones from the bathroom while she showered without her consent.”
The Receipts
However, when she demanded Ozuna return the phones, allegedly Marcell refused. According to reports, “He threatened to kill her and she threatened to call 911.”
She then took Ozuna’s cellphone and called 911. Subsequently, Ozuna attempted to leave the property, but she followed him outside and allegedly chased him around a vehicle.
MLB announces discipline for Marcell Ozuna: pic.twitter.com/ynMh3ZVape
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 29, 2021
Once she went back inside the home and locked the door, authorities say she grabbed a “large kitchen knife” for a potential defense. Ozuna got back inside the house and “continued to yell and verbally abuse her.”
Toxic Relationship
According to the report, Genesis then brandished the knife and “warned [Ozuna] that if he got closer, she was going to hurt him.”
In addition, “she added that she was afraid for her life due to his aggressive behavior.”
Eventually, she put the knife down, but Ozuna “pushed his left hand and forearm against her face, pushing her back and mushing her in the face with it several times.”
Ozuna’s arm was in a hard cast at the time.
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The Cheat Code
According to police reports, Genesis Ozuna said the altercation began over cheating claims. However, TMZ Sports she was arrested for misdemeanor battery after allegedly cracking the MLB star in the face with a soap dish.
She was booked into a Miami-Dade jail on May 29, after a two-week police investigation into the alleged attack.
Marcell Ozuna has to complete at least 200 hours of community service and take an anger management course; he was also placed on six months of supervision.
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The Repercussions
Ozuna was suspended by the MLB and hit with a 20-game ban. The punishment was retroactive, and Ozuna is eligible to return for the 2022 season.
“Any instance of domestic violence is unacceptable, and we fully support the decision by the commissioner’s office regarding Marcell,” the Braves said after the MLB announced the suspension.
“We are encouraged to know that Marcell has accepted full responsibility for his actions and is taking the necessary measures to learn and grow from the situation.”
Ozuna’s Outfield
Ozuna missed the Braves’ World Series win this year. In addition to the investigation, he was still dealing with a hand injury. However, he did sign a four-year, $65 million contract with the Braves last February.
The 31-year-old led the National League during the 2020 season with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs. During his 7-year career, he has hit .272 with 148 home runs.
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