From the Washington Post’s Jorge Arangure Jr. :

The Baltimore Orioles placed troubled pitcher Sidney Ponson on unconditional release waivers Thursday and moved to terminate his contract, ending his tumultuous second tenure with the club.

The Orioles cited “conduct which violates the terms of his uniform players contract” in seeking to void the three-year, $22.5 million deal Ponson signed prior to the 2004 season. If they are successful, the Orioles will save the $10 million owed to Ponson next season.

The Orioles will certainly face a challenge from the players’ union. Mike Weiner, general counsel for the players association, said, that “there will be a grievance” filed on the matter.