Tampa Bay Rays participant Wander Franco is underneath investigation by the MLB after allegedly being in a relationship with a minor.
On August 13, rumors swirled through social media that Franco, 22, was allegedly concerned with an underage woman. That very same day, Franco didn’t play within the scheduled recreation in opposition to the Cleveland Guardians regardless of a deliberate Franco-themed hat giveaway for youngsters in attendance.
The Rays introduced hours later that they had been conscious of the allegations and had been investigating the situation with MLB. Franco, for his half, has denied the claims made in opposition to him.
Previous to the scandal, Franco was named an all-star for the primary time throughout the 2023 season. He has additionally carried out nicely together with his staff, serving to the Rays keep on the prime of their division. In 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract.
Scroll down for extra particulars concerning the latest allegations made in opposition to Franco:
What Is Wander Franco Being Accused of?
Franco is being accused of allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Pictures of him kissing a younger girl on the cheek circulated on-line on August 13. Together with the images, unverified claims surfaced that the woman was 14 years previous. No extra particulars concerning the pair have been confirmed.
What Occurred After the Social Media Posts Went Viral?
Franco didn’t play within the Rays’ recreation in opposition to the Guardians on August 13. Nonetheless, supervisor Kevin Money informed the press after the sport that it was a scheduled “time off” for Franco and was conscious of the “hypothesis” however didn’t have any touch upon the matter.
Following the sport, the Rays left to journey to San Francisco to play a collection in opposition to the Giants. ESPN reported that Franco didn’t journey with the staff.
What Have the Tampa Bay Rays Stated Concerning the Accusations?
Nonetheless, the Rays launched an announcement hours after Money’s press convention.
“Throughout immediately’s recreation, we had been made conscious of the social media posts which might be circulating concerning Wander Franco,” the Rays stated in an announcement. “We take the state of affairs critically and are in shut contact with Main League Baseball because it conducts its due diligence.”
What Has Wander Franco Stated Concerning the Allegations?
Franco has denied the claims and spoke out concerning the hypothesis throughout an Instagram Stay on August 13.
“They are saying that I’m in public with just a little woman, that I’m operating round with a minor. Folks don’t know what to do with their time,” Franco stated in Spanish. “They don’t know what they’re speaking about. That’s why I choose to be on my facet and never get entangled with anyone.”
Will Wander Franco Play In the course of the MLB Investigation?
On August 14, the Rays positioned Franco on the restricted checklist — which took Franco off the lively staff roster. “The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he’ll go on the Restricted Checklist and take depart from the Membership during the present highway journey,” the Rays stated in a statement on the time.
One week later, the MLB positioned Franco on administrative depart because the investigation into his alleged conduct continued. “The executive depart, efficient instantly, is just not disciplinary underneath the Joint Home Violence, Sexual Assault and Little one Abuse Coverage,” the league stated in an announcement on August 22. “We’ll remark additional on the acceptable time.”
Thank You!
You’ve gotten efficiently subscribed.
The Rays, in the meantime, stated the staff helps the choice to put Franco on depart. “The Tampa Bay Rays are devoted to upholding excessive requirements of integrity each on and off the sphere,” the staff stated in an announcement. “We recognize the understanding and endurance of our followers and supporters as this course of unfolds. We may have no additional statements on this matter till MLB completes its course of.”
Is Wander Franco Being Investigated by the Authorities?
On August 15, the Associated Press reported that the legal professional normal of the Dominican Republic — the place Franco is from — and its workplace have began “investigations.”
