Jose Offerman suspended after arrest

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., Aug. 15 (UPI) -- The Atlantic League Wednesday suspended Long Island Ducks shortstop Jose Offerman after his arrest on charges of assaulting two opposing players with a bat.

The former major leaguer was arrested Tuesday night following his ejection from a game between the Ducks and the Bridgeport Bluefish, during which he attacked Bridgeport pitcher Matt Beech and catcher John Nathans in the second inning.

Offerman had led off the first with a home run for the Ducks. He took offense when Beech hit him with a pitch and charged the mound with his bat.

Beech suffered a broken middle finger on his right hand, and Nathans suffered a concussion. Offerman -- a two-time Major League Baseball all-star -- was charged with second-degree assault.

Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein announced the suspension.

“(Offerman’s) violation of the Atlantic League on- field behavioral policy is under review and a decision on his status and that of other participants will be announced by week’s end,” said Klein.

The Connecticut Post said Offerman produced a cash bond of $10,000, and is due in Bridgeport Superior Court Aug. 23.

His future in the league is undetermined, Klein told the newspaper.