MLB All-Star Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays has been placed on administrative leave while the league and authorities in the Dominican Republic probe allegations of claims that he had relationships with underage girls.
The league issued the statement on Tuesday, August 22, concerning the 22-year-old shortstop. However, it was also stressed that the administrative leave is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
"The administrative leave, effective immediately, is not disciplinary under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. We will comment further at the appropriate time," part of the official statement from the MLB read.
Not long after, the Rays also issued their own statement on the Wander Franco case. The team supported the MLB's decision to put Franco on administrative leave and stressed that they are dedicated to upholding high standards of integrity both on and off the field.
Read more: Wander Franco 'Very Unlikely' to Play in MLB Ever Again Amid Investigation on Troubling Issue
"We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans and supporters as this process unfolds. We will have no further statements on this matter until MLB completes its process," part of the official statement of the Tampa Bay Rays read.
Despite being on administrative leave, Franco's case is not considered punitive. He will continue to receive his salary and Major League service time under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy collectively bargained by MLB and the MLBPA.
At least two girls, whose identities were not revealed, came forward to claim that they had relationships with Franco. One of them even posted pictures with the 22-year-old shortstop on social media. The Instagram account of the said minor has since been deleted, ESPN reported.
Regardless, this was enough for the MLB to take action and conduct an investigation into the matter.
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