O's releases Ponson

[Providence A's]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2148842

Sidney Ponson was released Thursday by the Orioles, who voided the pitcher's contract on the theory that his behavior over the past nine months gave them grounds for his dismissal. Ponson was arrested on Aug. 25 for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was also charged in January with driving under the influence in Florida, a case that has not yet been resolved. That arrest came less than a month after he spent 11 days in an Aruban jail after he hit a judge during a Christmas Day fight at a beach in his native country. Ponson apologized for the fight and reached a settlement that involved community service and a charitable contribution. Last week's arrest convinced the Orioles that they had enough of a case to void his contract. The 28-year-old Ponson, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list with thumb and calf injuries, still has one season left on a three-year deal that would earn him $10 million in 2006.