Tigers' Cabrera apologizes for domestic issue

Sports Network | October 5, 2009

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera issued an apology on Monday after it was reported that he was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife over the weekend.

"There was an incident that took place on Saturday and it is a personal matter," said Cabrera in a statement Monday. "I am sorry this has become a distraction, and I apologize to the Tigers, my teammates, and all of the fans. I would appreciate it if you would respect my family's privacy as I prepare for our next game."

The Detroit Free Press cited a police report that said Cabrera had been out drinking after Friday's game against the White Sox and got into a physical altercation with his wife early Saturday morning.

Police were called to the home and Cabrera was taken in for questioning. The Free Press reported that police said Cabrera had a blood-alcohol level of .26, well above the legal limit of .08 for operating a motor vehicle.

Cabrera had a mark on his face from the altercation and his wife reportedly had an injury to her lower lip, but neither would give police details as to how they were hurt.

The paper said Cabrera was picked up at the police station by Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski on Saturday morning.

Cabrera leads the Tigers with 33 homers, 101 runs batted in and a .323 batting average this season. He was 0-for-4 in Saturday's game against Chicago and was hitless in 11 at-bats during the weekend series.

The Tigers will visit Minnesota on Tuesday for a one-game playoff to determine the American League Central champion.