Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez pleaded not guilty to domestic battery charges Friday in Fort Lauderdale.
Ramirez, 39, didn't attend the arraignment at the Broward courthouse, where his lawyer entered the plea.
Weston Police arrested Ramirez at his home on Sept. 12 after wife Juliana Ramirez told officers that he struck her with an open hand on the couple's bed, according to a police report.
Juliana Ramirez told police the blow caused her to hit her head on the headboard of their bed and, fearing the situation would escalate, she promptly called police, the report said.
Ramirez told officers his wife hit her head after he grabbed her by the shoulders and 'shrugged' her, the report said.
The report said red swelling was visible on the left side of Juliana Ramirez' face, and that a contusion on the back of her head was consistent with her story.
Ramirez was arrested and later released from jail after posting $2,500 bond. He's been ordered to stay away from his wife.
The Dominican Republic-born outfielder began his career with the Cleveland Indians before becoming a superstar with the Boston Red Sox, where he won two World Series. He also played for the L.A. Dodgers and Chicago White Sox before finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Ramirez retired in April after he was notified by Major League Baseball of an issue under MLB’s drug prevention and treatment program. In 2009, Ramirez was suspended 50 games by MLB for violating the league's drug policy.
