Aybar out of jail, apologizes

Posted Feb 6, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Feb 6, 2008 at 07:02 PM

Rays infielder Willy Aybar was released from jail in the Dominican Republic today after his wife dropped a domestic violence complaint against him. The case is considered closed and the team doesn’t expect Aybar to be detained further.

In an interview with ESPN Deportes, Aybar apologized and asked for forgiveness.

“I promise to do all I can to improve my behavior, which I admit that, at times, has not been the best,” Aybar told ESPN.

The Rays released a statement from spokesman Rick Vaughn that reads:

“While details of this situation remain unclear, we are pleased that it has been resolved.  We are encouraged that Willy has expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions.  The Rays are committed to providing a support system for him and his family when they arrive in St. Petersburg for spring training.”

According to the story, the Rays sent a letter of support to the authorities in Bani promising to help him work through his issues.

“I know that if I focus, I can get to be a great baseball player,” Aybar told ESPN, “but I also want to be a good father, husband and citizen.”

Aybar, 24, and his wife, 23, have been married for seven years and have three children.