I wish I had more availability to give this extremely thoughtful coverage and commentary this evening – that’s what it deserves, and I will soon – but family obligations are going to preclude it. I did not, however, want to avoid sharing these comments from Cubs President Theo Epstein and infielder Addison Russell on Russell’s return to the Cubs after he agreed to be suspended under the league’s domestic violence policy based on allegations of abuse by his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy.
I remain naively surprised and confused that the Cubs actually felt it was enough of a net good to continue having Russell on the team, and nothing in their comments this evening have illuminated it for me. I hope we eventually do so the positives of the Cubs having worked with Russell through this process – genuinely, I hope there is a good for family relationships in the organization, for domestic violence victims and domestic violence prevention – but so far, it all still seems very tight-lipped.
Some of their comments – again, I apologize that I cannot provide commentary and context right now:
After Addison Russell said this whole situation has not only been hard on his family, but on him as well, he was asked if he felt it deserved to be hard in order to aid his growth as a person… pic.twitter.com/itCfu96MWk
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) May 8, 2019
Russell to those who say he doesn't deserve this second chance:
“I’m here. I know that they’re going to think and say whatever they want to say, and they’re entitled to that. And I respect them for that. The thing is I’m here and I have an opportunity to help this team win.”— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) May 8, 2019
Russell on anticipated fan reax tonight:
“Good or bad, in my mind it’s going to be a positive reaction, just because of how hard I worked to get there. I realize there’s a long road ahead of me but I’m happy I’m here in Chicago and ready to help this team win.”— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) May 8, 2019
Watch Addison Russell discuss his return to the Cubs. https://t.co/vNXpibGwvr pic.twitter.com/8WniESySLX
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 8, 2019
Theo Epstein: “I hope Addison continues to grow. That’s what this is all about. He should expect to face adversity along the way. He doesn’t deserve to be met with an unconditionally warm welcome and with open arms.”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) May 8, 2019
Theo talked to a lot of players today. Says his teammates want to give him conditional support. They want to see him put the work in as well.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 8, 2019
Theo reiterated it's a conditional second chance for Russell, no rubber stamp he would be back and majority of work ahead of Russell. #Cubs
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) May 8, 2019
Original plan was for Russell to join Cubs Tuesday in Cincy. But he was getting closer to being ready with Zobrist out, Descalso a few days from playing 9 innings – Theo
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) May 8, 2019