The Orioles released Sidney Ponson today.

Ponson, on the 15-day disabled list with thumb and calf injuries, has one season left on a three-year deal that would pay him $10 million in 2006.

"The Orioles did what we felt was justified and right, and indeed what we were compelled to do," said H. Russell Smouse, the team's general counsel. "There was really no alternative after a deliberate consideration of all the facts."

Ponson's agent, Barry Praver, also did not return a call. Praver and Ponson have not talked to the media since the 28-year-old pitcher's arrest last week.

"We will clearly grieve it," said Michael Weiner, the general counsel of the players' association.

The Orioles invoked the morals clause:

Every player on the 40-man roster signs a standard contract that includes a morals clause, paragraph 3(a), that reads: "The Player agrees to perform his services hereunder diligently and faithfully, to keep himself in first-class physical condition and to obey the Club's training rules, and pledges himself to the American public and to the Club to conform to high standards of personal conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship."

The Orioles believe Ponson violated that rule.

"It relates to his alcohol-related conduct over a period of time," Smouse said.

The Rockies ended up paying Denny Neagle most of his remaining contract when they tried something similar. I suspect the Orioles will find themselves in the same position.

But good for the Orioles for trying. They certainly gave Ponson a chance to clean up his act. I suppose if he were pitching like an ace and the team was in the middle of a pennant race, things might be different. Sir Sidney strikes me as someone who's wasted a lot of talent and the good will of his organization.