Cubs' Marmol angry about accusations

Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol told reporters Monday that he is angry about being accused of domestic abuse by a woman in the Dominican Republic and said he is innocent.

"I gave a ride to this girl that I know and she said I tried to have sex with her," Marmol said during the first day that pitchers and catchers reported to the Cubs' facility in Mesa, Ariz. "I never did that."

He said he first heard about the accusations against him while listening to the radio in the Dominican Republic. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 28 of last year.

The woman filed a lawsuit in civil court and the case has been elevated to the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court so Marmol may have to go back to the Dominican Republic to appear.

"I am frustrated a lot," Marmol said. "I didn't do anything. This is very frustrating. I gave her a ride to a party that is close to my house and that was all. I am very (ticked) off. My lawyers and I went to the police and we are trying to get her to go to jail."

Marmol may file a counter suit.

Cubs president Theo Epstein said Sunday he expects the matter to be resolved shortly, according to ESPN Chicago.

"It's the organization's responsibility to take all accusations like that very seriously," Epstein said. "It was our decision to look into it a little bit. We don't have all the information, but all the information we have been able to gather backs up Carlos' story that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing whatsoever.

"He may in fact be the victim here, if this case continues to be pursued like this, so all we can do is evaluate it on the merits. So far what we have seen backs Carlos' story, and we will continue to support him. We do expect that this matter will be behind him shortly based on the way it is proceeding in the Dominican courts."

Marmol said he is grateful that the team has stood behind him.

"I'm glad they support me," he said. "They know I am telling the truth, and they know what is going on."