Greg Avioli’s resignation as president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, announced April 1, occurred five weeks after Avioli was arrested for domestic violence, and a little more than two weeks after his wife had a temporary restraining order removed in lieu of a Superior Court judge signing off on protocols for Avioli that include “anger management treatment and substance abuse training,” according to records in San Diego County Superior Court. Avioli’s resignation was announced by TOC in a terse press release, and made no mention of a replacement, indicating the split was sudden. Asked Friday is there was a cause-and-effect relationship between Avioli’s arrest and his resignation, Gary Fenton, the chairman of the TOC, said, “Greg is a former employee, and as such we do not wish to comment.” Amy Lass, the attorney representing Avioli, by Friday night had not returned a message left Friday morning with her office staff seeking comment. Court records show Avioli in late February was arrested for domestic violence against his wife, Liesl Bernard. According to a San Diego Police Department arrest report, Bernard stated that after hosting another couple for dinner the night of Feb. 19, Avioli and Bernard at approximately 1 a.m. Feb. 20 argued over Avioli’s behavior toward a female guest, and Avioli “got upset and pulled me down to the ground from my hair,” Bernard stated to police. “I hit the back of my head on the marble floor,” her statement said. “Avioli punched me in the face twice and covered my mouth with his hand. He grabbed my neck at the same time with his other hand. It was difficult for me to breathe but I did not go unconscious.” Bernard stated that the four adults “consumed 4-5 bottles of wine,” but that she “only had 2 glasses.” Bernard called police the afternoon of Feb. 20 while at a La Jolla hospital, where she had gone, she said, out of concern she had a concussion from the incident. Police met her at the hospital. The officer who filled out the report said Bernard “sustained a black eye, and bruising to her face, wrists, lips and neck.” A CT scan did not show evidence of a concussion. Avioli was arrested in Del Mar that evening, handcuffed, taken to San Diego Central Jail, and booked. An emergency protective order, lasting until Feb. 27, was obtained that day by police for Bernard. Bernard told police, “There have been four to five prior incidents of domestic violence between her and Avioli,” but “none of the incidents were reported to law enforcement.” Bernard on Feb. 25 filed for a temporary restraining order, her request in that document repeating the details she gave police five days earlier. Bernard, 52, in the document listed herself as being 5-foot-6, and weighing 135 pounds, and said Avioli, 57, was 6 feet tall, 250 pounds. The temporary restraining order was granted, pending a hearing March 15. On March 15, Superior Court Judge Judy S. Bae dismissed the case without prejudice. An amended stipulation and order regarding the temporary restraining order, and signed by Bae, said Bernard was dismissing the temporary restraining order without prejudice, that Avioli “shall continue with all anger management treatment and substance abuse training for alcohol,” and that the couple would “schedule and attend a 3- or 4-day intensive residential marital retreat focused on conflict resolution.” Avioli currently is not facing any charges in the case. Avioli and Bernard were married Aug. 6, after dating for three years, according to Bernard’s statement. Avioli was named president and chief executive of the TOC in September 2016. He previously held other executive positions in the sport, including president and chief executive officer of the Breeders’ Cup, chief executive of The Stronach Group, and chief operating officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.