By David Schuster-

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) Carlos Marmol says he’s completely innocent of the accusations that have been levied against him.

Back in October, a women in the Dominican Republic accused the Cubs pitcher of sexual assault. Speaking Monday for the first time since the accusation, Marmol said he knew the woman from his childhood and all he did was give her a ride to a party. He claims that the woman and her lawyer are trying to blackmail him.

The case has gone through the court system in the Dominican Republic and now Marmol is fighting back legally, as he has filed a lawsuit against the woman and hopes to have her arrested for making false claims. Marmol said this happens a lot to athletes and almost anybody who has money in his home country.

The pitcher was completely caught off guard by the accusations and initially heard about it on the radio. He says he is both frustrated and extremely angry and intends on fighting this to the bitter end.

As for baseball, Marmol thought the aborted offseason trade to Anaheim actually went through but was extremely happy when he learned that he would be staying in Chicago. He says he hopes to always remain a Cub and also hopes to build on the success he enjoyed in the second half of last season.

For more Cubs spring training coverage from Mesa, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster’s spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).