Sandoval questioned by police

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SAN FRANCISCOGiants third baseman Pablo Sandoval is being investigated by the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Department and faces possible sexual assault charges stemming from an incident that allegedly took place early Friday morning, sources tell CSN Bay Area.

Sandoval did not report to AT&T Park on Friday because he was being questioned by authorities, the All-Star third basemans attorney confirmed.

On Friday, June 1, Pablo Sandoval voluntarily met with the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Department related to a consensual, personal relationship of a sexual nature that took place on that day, attorney Eric Geffon told CSN Bay Area. Pablo fully cooperated with the Sheriffs Department out of respect for the process. We have no further comment at this time.

Sandoval, who is on the disabled list, remained on schedule to begin a rehab assignment Saturday for Single-A San Jose at Stockton on Saturday, Giants vice president Staci Slaughter said.

The Giants had no further comment.

Given the off-field nature of the issue, we refer all comment to his attorney, Slaughter said.

Sources confirmed that the incident took place early Friday morning at the Seascape Beach Resort in Santa Cruz County, but that Sandoval was not a registered guest at the property. Police were not called to the scene but sources say the woman in question later contacted authorities and reported that she was too intoxicated to give consent.

She submitted to a sexual assault forensic evidence kit at an area hospital, sources confirmed.

Sandoval has not been charged and the investigation is ongoing, sources said.

Sandoval, 25, was leading the Giants in home runs and RBIs when he fractured the hamate bone in his left hand May 1. He had surgery to remove the bone two days later; he was expected to require four to five games in the minor leagues before rejoining the Giants active roster.

A first-time All-Star last season, Sandoval and the Giants agreed to a three-year, 17.15 million contract over the winter after club officials were satisfied that he would remain dedicated to battling his ongoing weight issues.

Known and beloved as the Kung Fu Panda after breaking into the big leagues with a .330 average in 2009, Sandoval is a fan favorite. Hundreds of kids (and many adults) wear furry Panda hats while cheering on his exploits.

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