Judge delays Furcal's probation sentence until after season

<p>A judge decided Wednesday to allow Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal to participate in the playoffs despite a probation violation on a drunken driving charge.</p><p>Furcal was arrested Sept. 10 for allegedly 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.</p><p>Cobb County Judge David 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 5 p.m. the day after the Braves' season ends.</p><p>For the rest of the season, Furcal must remain in home confinement. He can play games but must return home, or to a hotel if on the road, the judge said.</p><p>"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."</p><p>Furcal's court appearance came just hours before the Braves open their divisional playoff series with the Houston Astros. Furcal, the 2000 National League rookie of the year, batted .279 with 14 homers, 59 RBIs and 29 stolen bases during the regular season.</p><p>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 to play baseball because he had accepted responsibility for his actions.</p><p>"I think one of the positive examples is that he has admitted he has a problem," Morgan said.</p><p>Defense attorney William Head said that since Furcal's September arrest, the baseball player has seen a counselor.</p><p>"Mr. Furcal is very interested in turning this bad situation into something positive down the road," Head said.</p><p>Head said one of the most important issues for Furcal's defense team was making sure the shortstop would not miss any games as the Braves make a postseason run.</p><p>"I don't know what the Braves would do without him," Head said.</p><p>Furcal does not plan to challenge current DUI charges against him in Atlanta and his team hopes to reach a deal in which any jail time he is sentenced to could be served at the same time as his sentence for the parole violation, he said.</p><p>Head said one of his concerns about the ruling is how Furcal would handle a Braves championship _ which players traditionally celebrate with champagne in the locker room.</p><p>The judge ruled that Furcal may not drink alcohol.</p><p>"Raffy would just have to remove himself from that," said Head, using the player's nickname.</p><p>The judge also ruled that Furcal may not drive at least until after serving his sentence.</p><p>Furcal was in court, but only answered a judge's questions briefly and through a translator.</p>