Mon Apr 7 17:07:33 2008

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Spiezio given three years' probation

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Newport Beach, CA (Sports Network) - Scott Spiezio, the former St. Louis Cardinals infielder who signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves, was sentenced to three years' probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI and hit and run.

The charges stem from an automobile accident on December 30.

In exchange for Spiezio's guilty plea, charges of aggravated assault and assault and battery were dropped.

Spiezio was also ordered to pay $390 in fines and perform 80 hours of community service. He must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and undergo three months of a first-offender alcohol program.

According to the police department, officers responding to a report of a single vehicle collision discovered a 2004 BMW registered in Spiezio's name crashed into a curb and fence, and that the driver was seen running from the scene.

Spiezio was also accused of running into a friend's condo and vomiting in his friend's room. When the friend made a comment, Spiezio apparently became angry and attacked his friend, punching him repeatedly and throwing him against a wall.

The Cardinals released Spiezio in February and he was signed to a minor league deal by the Braves in March.

Spiezio, 35, batted .269 in 81 games with the Cardinals last season, with four home runs and 31 runs batted in. In 12 seasons with Oakland, Anaheim, Seattle, and St. Louis, Spiezio has a lifetime .255 average with 119 homers and 549 RBI.