Local

Former Braves player declines comment on crack cocaine charges

Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Otis Nixon declined to discuss his arrest on charges of crack cocaine possession.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Tom Regan traveled to a rural Gordon County home to speak with Nixon following his release from jail Tuesday night.

"What about the crack cocaine charges against you? Do you have any regrets about what happened?" said Regan.

Nixon replied he would have no comment and said his attorney would speak for him.

Nixon, 54, was arrested following a traffic stop along Interstate 575 in Cherokee County late Saturday night. An officer responded to a 911 report of a pickup truck driving erratically on the highway. Inside Nixon's truck, investigators found suspected crack cocaine.

A police report stated a crack cocaine pipe was found in Nixon's pocket and following his arrest, Nixon allegedly handed a deputy a small bag containing suspected rock cocaine. An additional pipe was found in the truck. The report stated Nixon did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and stated the drugs and the pipe belonged to his son.

Nixon joined the Braves during the team's worst to first season in 1991. He amazed fans with leaping catches and blazing stolen bases, a career record of 600. But he missed the Braves trip to the World Series in 1995 after failing a drug test.

Nixon was released from the Cherokee County Jail after posting bond. His next court appearance has not been scheduled.