NEW YORK: Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera was suspended for 82 games Thursday by Major League Baseball for violating its domestic violence policy in an incident last month.
The 31-year-old Cuban, who helped his Communist homeland to Olympic gold in 2008 at Beijing, defected in 2014 and last year signed a six-year deal worth $62.5 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who traded him to the Braves last July.
Olivera, who will not appeal the suspension, was the third player punished under the major league’s domestic abuse policy and received by far the longest ban after being arrested in an incident involving a woman in Arlington, Virginia, near where the team was playing the Washington Nationals.
Olivera’s suspension without pay extends through August 1. He has been on paid administrative leave since being charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for his alleged actions at a hotel.
Prior domestic violence bans by Major League Baseball were issued for 30 games to New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman and 51 games to Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes to start the 2016 season.
“Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Olivera violated the policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will expire on August 1,” major league commissioner Rob Manfred said.
“Mr. Olivera has also agreed to make a significant charitable contribution to one or more organizations focused on preventing and treating survivors of domestic violence.”
Olivera was expected to be the Braves’ regular leftfielder but played in only five games before the incident.
“The Braves fully support Major League Baseball’s decision regarding Hector Olivera,” the team said in a statement.
Braves outfielder Olivera handed 82-game ban
Braves outfielder Olivera handed 82-game ban
Tottenham names Igor Tudor interim manager till end of season
- The former Juventus coach takes over till the end of the season
- Tottenham’s next fixture is at home to local rival Arsenal on Feb. 22
LONDON: Tottenham appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager on Saturday after Thomas Frank was fired three days ago.
The former Juventus coach takes over till the end of the season at a time when Spurs are just five points above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
“It is an honor to join this club at an important moment,” Tudor said. “I understand the responsibility I have been handed and my focus is clear. To bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match.
“There is strong quality in this playing squad and my job is to organize it, energize it and improve our results quickly.”
Juventus fired Tudor on Oct. 27 following three straight losses and an eight-match winless run, with the Italian powerhouse eighth in Serie A.
The 47-year-old Croatian was previously in charge of Lazio, Udinese, Marseille, Galatasaray and other clubs in Croatia and elsewhere.
Tudor is the sixth head coach in less than seven years at Spurs since Mauricio Pochettino departed in 2019.
Frank was fired after he failed to build on his success at Brentford.
Despite leading Spurs to the round of 16 in the Champions League, Frank has overseen a desperate domestic campaign. A 2-1 loss to Newcastle on Tuesday was greeted by boos from the home fans and left the club without a league win in 2026.
The home defeat to Newcastle extended a woeful run to one win in 11 in England’s top flight.
Spurs dropped to 16th in the standings, two places above the relegation zone.
Frank was appointed at the end of last season when Ange Postecoglou was fired despite leading Tottenham to its first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League and securing Champions League qualification.
Tottenham’s next fixture is at home to local rival Arsenal in the Premier League on Feb. 22.
