justinevans
06/27/06, 06:21 PM
Phillies pitcher Brett Myers will take a leave of absence from the team through the All-Star break to focus on personal matters following his arrest on assault charges against his wife.
Myers was arrested Friday in Boston and charged with hitting his wife in the face on a street not far from Fenway Park. He was freed after his wife posted $200 bail and faces a court date of Aug. 4.
"First, while I dispute that the facts are as alleged, I recognize that my behavior was inappropriate and for that I apologize," Myers said in a statement Tuesday. "Second, I recognize that the incident created an embarrassing situation for many people, including my wife and family, my teammates, the Phillies organization, and fans, and I am very sorry for that."
The Phillies let Myers pitch the next day against the Red Sox and he threw five innings. The decision to let their ace pitch was heavily criticized in Philadelphia and a women's group that fights domestic violence called for a suspension.
Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said Friday the team would not take disciplinary action against Myers until the legal case is resolved, and did not feel the incident was "an embarrassment" to the team.
Team president David Montgomery apologized Tuesday that the decision to not immediately suspend Myers was seen as indifference to the problems of spousal abuse.
"Nothing could be further from the truth," he said. "We abhor such violence and recognize that it is a very serious problem affecting a substantial number of victims, particularly women, across the country.
"If we have been guilty of delay in expressing these sentiments, we are sorry."
Myers was arguing with his wife shortly after midnight on a street corner, Boston police said. Witnesses told police the 25-year-old pitcher hit her. One witness told investigators Myers also pulled her hair.
Police responded to a 911 call and said they found Myers' wife crying and with a swollen face. Officers found Myers nearby and arrested him.
Myers' public stance after the game also caused outrage, saying only he was sorry that the incident "had to go public."
He was more contrite in his written statement Tuesday.
"My wife and children are very important to me and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to address any problems that might harm our marriage," Myers said. "I have asked the Phillies for some time off so that I can concentrate on this matter and make plans for whatever assistance is appropriate."
The Phillies offered professional, employee assistance resources to help Brett and Kim Myers.
"We believe that the present status, including a public apology by Brett Myers, time off from baseball, professional assistance for Brett and Kim Myers, and this statement achieves the appropriate balance for now," Montgomery said.
Myers was arrested Friday in Boston and charged with hitting his wife in the face on a street not far from Fenway Park. He was freed after his wife posted $200 bail and faces a court date of Aug. 4.
"First, while I dispute that the facts are as alleged, I recognize that my behavior was inappropriate and for that I apologize," Myers said in a statement Tuesday. "Second, I recognize that the incident created an embarrassing situation for many people, including my wife and family, my teammates, the Phillies organization, and fans, and I am very sorry for that."
The Phillies let Myers pitch the next day against the Red Sox and he threw five innings. The decision to let their ace pitch was heavily criticized in Philadelphia and a women's group that fights domestic violence called for a suspension.
Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said Friday the team would not take disciplinary action against Myers until the legal case is resolved, and did not feel the incident was "an embarrassment" to the team.
Team president David Montgomery apologized Tuesday that the decision to not immediately suspend Myers was seen as indifference to the problems of spousal abuse.
"Nothing could be further from the truth," he said. "We abhor such violence and recognize that it is a very serious problem affecting a substantial number of victims, particularly women, across the country.
"If we have been guilty of delay in expressing these sentiments, we are sorry."
Myers was arguing with his wife shortly after midnight on a street corner, Boston police said. Witnesses told police the 25-year-old pitcher hit her. One witness told investigators Myers also pulled her hair.
Police responded to a 911 call and said they found Myers' wife crying and with a swollen face. Officers found Myers nearby and arrested him.
Myers' public stance after the game also caused outrage, saying only he was sorry that the incident "had to go public."
He was more contrite in his written statement Tuesday.
"My wife and children are very important to me and I am willing to do whatever is necessary to address any problems that might harm our marriage," Myers said. "I have asked the Phillies for some time off so that I can concentrate on this matter and make plans for whatever assistance is appropriate."
The Phillies offered professional, employee assistance resources to help Brett and Kim Myers.
"We believe that the present status, including a public apology by Brett Myers, time off from baseball, professional assistance for Brett and Kim Myers, and this statement achieves the appropriate balance for now," Montgomery said.