NEWSLETTER
Today, MLB placed Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell on administrative leave following renewed domestic violence allegations. If you haven’t read Melisa Reidy’s story – that’s Russell’s ex-wife – I encourage you to do so.
Statements from MLB and from the Cubs:
MLB's statement on Addison Russell being placed on administrative leave: pic.twitter.com/CHKcZbGXM7
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 21, 2018
The league has placed Addison Russell on administrative leave, and the Cubs released this statement: pic.twitter.com/1WoWDsLA3D
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 21, 2018
The Cubs will offer additional public comment, I suspect, but it now looks like the course of action will be additional investigation by MLB and then discipline imposed (either this year, or next year, or both). This is the right decision by MLB at this time.
Whatever comes next from MLB, I would not expect to see Russell back with the Cubs this season.
For the Cubs, they will cooperate in the investigation, but at some point they will have to make their own organizational decision about whether to maintain a relationship with Russell. He is arbitration eligible again next year, so the Cubs do not have any obligation to him after this season unless they choose to tender him a contract.
More as it becomes available.
