RealGM

For years Otis Nixon was defined by an improbable leap. His fall was just as pronounced.

The former Braves outfielder was arrested twice in 2004, charged with aggravated assault and sexual battery. A well-circulated mug shot confirmed that Nixon had surrendered to familiar demons. He looked tired and gaunt. His eyes expressed defeat.

"I've been in the belly of the beast," said Nixon, now 48 and living in Sandy Springs. "I nearly lost it all."

It wasn't the first time.

In 1991, Nixon was suspended from baseball after testing positive for cocaine. As the Braves battled for the World Series, their starting center fielder watched from home.

Not many players could win back the fans after such a letdown. But there's something special about Nixon, something that makes you want to root for him. No surprise, then, that he rebounded to become one of the more iconic Braves from the team's glory days.

"If you know Otis