Atlanta Braves' Furcal allowed to play in playoffs

MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) -- Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal was cleared Wednesday to play in the postseason despite a probation violation on a drunken-driving charge.

The ruling came hours before the Braves were to open their divisional playoff series with the Houston Astros.

Furcal must remain in home confinement for the rest of the season. He has to return to a hotel if on the road, Judge David Darden said Wednesday.

Furcal also must blow into a portable breath-testing machine when called by a monitoring service affiliated with the probation department. The machine, hooked up to a cell phone and video camera, will relay the test results to officials.

"Don't take it lightly," Darden said. "The court is concerned a second violation might indicate he has a problem with judgment with regard to alcohol."

The 26-year-old shortstop left the courthouse after the hearing through a side door without talking to reporters. As he entered the clubhouse at Turner Field, Furcal said, "I'm OK. It's OK." Asked about the still pending drunken-driving charge, Furcal replied, "I don't know."

Earlier, Furcal wore a warmup jacket with NBA star Allen Iverson's nickname on the back and appeared in court with a translator. He spoke little during the hearing, answering "yes" or nodding several times when the judge asked him if he understood the proceedings. A translator repeated the questions in Spanish for Furcal, who is from the Dominican Republic.

Furcal, the 2000 National League rookie of the year, batted .279 with 14 homers, 59 RBIs and 29 stolen bases this season.

He was arrested Sept. 10 and accused of driving under the influence, his second DUI arrest in four years. That arrest violated his probation in Cobb County for a June 2000 arrest on similar charges.

Darden sentenced Furcal to 21 days in jail to be followed by a 28-day in-house treatment program. He delayed the start of the sentence until the day after the Braves' season ends.

Cobb County Solicitor Barry Morgan said the sentence reflected that Furcal had 49 days left on his probation. He said he was allowed to continue playing because he accepted responsibility.

"I think one of the positive examples is that he has admitted he has a problem," Morgan said.

Defense attorney William Head said Furcal has seen a counselor since his September arrest.

"Mr. Furcal is very interested in turning this bad situation into something positive down the road," Head said.

Head said one of the most important issues for Furcal's defense team was making sure the shortstop would not miss postseason games. If the Braves reach the World Series, the season could last until Oct. 31.

Braves general manager John Schuerholz said from his office Wednesday he was unaware of the sentence and had no immediate comment.

Furcal does not plan to challenge the current DUI charges against him in Atlanta, and his lawyers hope to reach a deal in which any possible jail time could be served at the same time as his sentence for the probation violation, Head said.

Head said one concern about the ruling is how Furcal would handle a possible Braves championship. Players traditionally celebrate with champagne in the locker room, and the judge ruled Furcal may not drink alcohol or participate in postgame celebrations. The judge also ruled Furcal may not drive at least until after serving his sentence.

Judge David Darden must be a Braves fan.

Earlier, Furcal wore a warmup jacket with NBA star Allen Iverson's nickname on the back and appeared in court

Furcal needs to find different attorneys. Come into my courtroom dressed like that, I'd throw him in the slammer right then and there.

Look for Da Judge behind home plate!

Git some non-alcoholic Champagne if the Braves go far!

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