Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox was charged with simple battery for allegedly punching his wife and pulling her hair during a domestic dispute, Cobb County police said today.
Cox, 53, was arrested about 10:15 p.m. Sunday at his home. He was released on $1,000 bond and faces a court hearing May 26, said Lt. Bob Kimbrough of the Cobb sheriff's office.The police report, which indicated Cox was intoxicated, said his wife, Pamela, called officers and met them at the door. She had visible swelling and redness on the left side of her face, it said.
Mrs. Cox said her husband and some guests were drinking at their home when he spilled a drink on the carpet and she made a comment about it. After the guests left, he hit her in the face with his fist and pulled her hair, the police report said.
Mrs. Cox "stated that this has occurred many times before, but (she) never called the police because of possible media attention" and the effect on their children, it said. The report said their youngest daughter, Skyla, 13, was home and witnessed the attack.
Cox admitted pulling his wife's hair and calling her a name but denied hitting her, the report said. He said "that she also has been violent in the past, and that he hit her in reflex to her assault on him."
Reached at home today, Cox declined to talk about his arrest.