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Reds utilityman Freel arrested in Tampa

Player was also arrested on eve of baseball season opener

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updated 11:15 p.m. ET Jan. 8, 2006

TAMPA, Fla. - Cincinnati Reds utility player Ryan Freel was arrested on an alcohol-related charge at a pool hall early Sunday, police said.

Police were called to a pool hall in Tampa at 3:35 a.m. and arrested the 29-year-old Freel, of Jacksonville, on a misdemeanor disorderly intoxication charge. He was released from Hillsborough County Jail on Sunday morning after posting $250 bail.

It was Freel’s second arrest in nine months. In April, he was arrested in Bellevue, Ky., on the night the baseball season started. He was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and having an open container in a motor vehicle.

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On May 10, he pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, and in exchange for his plea, the other charges were dropped. A judge also suspended Freel’s driver’s license for 90 days and assessed fines and court costs totaling $600. He was required to undergo alcohol evaluation and treatment.

Freel signed a $3 million, two-year contract with the Reds on Dec. 20. He batted .271 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 103 games last season. He also stole 36 bases and scored 69 runs.

Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said the team does not have all the information about Freel’s arrest and therefore could not comment.

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