Chipper, wife separate after 12 years of marriage

Chipper Jones and his wife Sharon have separated, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

This would be a second divorce for Jones, who went through a very public split with his first wife Karin, beginning in 1998, after he had admitted to an extramarital affair and having a son out of wedlock. Jones, 40, has four sons, and it appears his intent is to handle this situation privately.

When asked about it Thursday, Jones declined comment. Attempts to reach Sharon Jones for comment were unsuccessful.

The couple has been married for 12 years and have three sons Trey, 11, Shea, 7, and Tristan, 6. Jones also has a fourth son Matthew, 14.

The timing is particularly tough for Jones, who is playing his final season with the Braves. A seven-time All-Star and potential Hall of Fame third baseman, he announced at the end of spring training that this will be his last season in an 18-year career, entirely in Atlanta. He just returned from a disabled list stint on Sunday against Toronto.