Former Columbus Crew midfielder Daniel Paladini has been charged in Franklin County Municipal Court with three counts of domestic violence and three counts of assault against his fiancée. All the charges are first-degree misdemeanors.
The incidents allegedly took place at Paladini’s home in Gahanna on Oct. 26, 27 and 28. Charges were filed against him on Dec. 18.
According to court records, on Oct. 26 Paladini, 30, allegedly grabbed Sarah Alexander by the hair, slammed her face into a door and punched her right eye with a closed fist causing a black eye and large bump on her forehead. The following day, Paladini allegedly poured a bottle of bleach over Alexander’s head, pushed her against a wall and kicked her twice in the chest/sternum area with his foot while she lay on the floor, leaving her skin burned and a large bruise to her chest/sternum area. On Oct. 28, Paladini allegedly grabbed Alexander by her hair and dragged her.
Paladini was originally suspended after being involved in a domestic dispute in October and MLS announced his suspension from the team and the league activities the following Monday, November 3rd. At the time he wasn't charged, but the league acted swiftly.
Alexander was originally reluctant to speak with police. A neighbor, the fiancee of Columbus Crew forward Aaron Schoenfeld, first reported the incidents to police.
Paladini was suspended with pay on Nov. 3 after the incidents were reported. He was not arrested or charged at the time.
Paladini has played professionally in America since 2006, both in MLS and the second-tier NASL. The 2014 season was his first with the Crew, but he suffered a season-ending leg injury in September. He made a total of four appearances this season.
The Crew declined to exercise Paladini's option after the season and he was not claimed in the re-entry draft.
There is no word in how the charges affect Paladini's suspension. MLS was quick to act with a zero tolerance stance when news first broke. An email requesting comment from the league last week has not been returned. |