Ex-MLS player Daniel Paladini charged with assault, domestic violence

Former MLS player Daniel Paladini has been charged with six misdemeanors in relation to a three alleged incidents of domestic violence against his fiancee, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Three of the charges are for assault and three are for domestic violence. 

The incidents are alleged to have occurred on three consecutive days in late October. From the Dispatch: 

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. 

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. 

- Dan Gartland