MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol has vigorously defended himself against allegations of domestic assault by a 24-year-old woman in the Dominican Republic.

No criminal charges have been filed against the 30-year-old right-hander, though a civil suit has been filed.

Marmol arrived in training camp Monday and spoke publicly for the first time about the accusations.

He calls them "lies" and says his attorneys are considering a countersuit claiming extortion and seeking jail time for his accuser.

Marmol is unsure whether the civil proceedings back home would require him to miss time during spring training to attend hearings.

The Cubs looked into the allegations when they were first reported and support Marmol's claims.

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