Cheri Olvera is the ex-girlfriend of Major League Baseball player Brian Giles. On December 16, 2008, Olvera filed a more than $10 million lawsuit against the 37-year-old Giles, alleging that the San Diego Padres outfielder beat her while she was pregnant with his child.NBC San Diego: Padre Accused of Abuse, Sued for $10M SignOnSanDiego.com: Former girlfriend sues Padres' Giles

On December 24, 2008, in his first comments since Olvera filed a lawsuit against him, Brian Giles released a statement through his Lawyers where he claimed his innocence. Giles stated, "I categorically deny each and every allegation of the complaint for palimony. This is all about money. The marriage never took place because the plaintiff changed her mind about a prenuptial agreement. The statement that I promised before marriage to divide my property to plaintiff if we ever separated or died is nonsense."ESPN.com: Giles says lawsuit 'all about money' (December 24, 2008)

Cheri Olvera claims former boyfriend Brian Giles abused her for several years, beginning in 2002. Olvera alleges Giles kicked, shook and slapped her over a period of several years; he also allegedly battered her twice while she was pregnant. Olvera maintains the abuse caused her to miscarry the couple's child. According to the lawsuit, Olvera and Giles "marriage-like relationship from in or about 2002 to April 2008." On December 16, 2008, the day the lawsuit was filed in San Diego Superior Court, Olvera's attorney, Cary W. Goldstein, released surveillance video that reportedly shows Giles assaulting Olvera. Of Giles, Goldstein said "The man is not the charming individual he portrays publicly; he's actually, pardon the expression, a pig."NBC San Diego: Padre Accused of Abuse, Sued for $10M SignOnSanDiego.com: Former girlfriend sues Padres' Giles

• ESPN.com: Giles says lawsuit all about money (December 24, 2008)

• SignOnSanDiego.com: Former girlfriend sues Padres' Giles (December 16, 2008)

• NBC San Diego: Padre Accused of Abuse, Sued for $10M (December 17, 2008) (Time: 2:41)

• MLB FanHouse: Brian Giles Allegedly Beat His Pregnant Girlfriend... (December 17, 2008)