Manny Ramirez released from Florida jail

WESTON, Fla., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Former Major League Baseball star Manny Ramirez was released from a jail in Florida Tuesday after being charged in an alleged domestic altercation.

Ramirez left the Broward County lockup after being charged with domestic battery for allegedly striking his wife with an open hand.

While he took his time making his way to a waiting sport utility vehicle driven by a woman, Ramirez's only reply to reporters' questions was "no comment."

In a video posted on the Web site of NBC's Miami affiliate WTVJ-TV, Ramirez is seen grabbing a microphone from one reporter and throwing it, and then taking a mic away from another reporter while sitting in the SUV.

A police report stated Juliana Ramirez told the arresting officer she and her husband had been "involved in a dispute that escalated." She said he struck her in the left side of her face with an open hand, causing her to hit her head against the headboard of their bed.

The report said she called police, fearing the situation might worsen. She declined medical attention.

The former big leaguer told police he had grabbed his wife by the shoulders and shook her, causing her to hit her head on the headboard.

The 12-time all-star slugger had been removed by police officers from his Weston, Fla., home in handcuffs Monday, the celebrity news Web site TMZ reported.

The Web site said Juliana Ramirez left the house shortly after her 39-year-old husband was driven away in a police car.

The former Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians great retired this year after hitting 555 career homers over 18 seasons. His career was tainted by revelations he used performance enhancing drugs.