Tampa Bay Rays and MLB React to Wander Franco Verdict
Santo Domingo – Following the judicial decision in Puerto Plata that declares Wander Franco guilty of sexual and psychological abuse against a minor, both the Tampa Bay Rays organization and Major League Baseball (MLB) have issued statements. The Rays, through a statement, reported that they respect the ongoing legal process in the Dominican Republic and will continue to collaborate with MLB investigations.For its part, the Major League Baseball commissioner’s office indicated that it is keeping an independent investigation open under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.“We respect the legal process in the Dominican Republic and believe it is important to allow it to run its course. We will continue to cooperate fully with Major League Baseball as they monitor the situation.”
Tampa Bay Rays
The court of the Judicial District of Puerto Plata sentenced Franco to two years of suspended imprisonment. The player was found guilty of having sexual relations with a 14-year-old teenager when he was 21. During the trial, the relationship between the baseball player and the minor was demonstrated for approximately four months. However, the court applied judicial pardon, considering exceptional circumstances. As a result, the conviction will be recorded in Franco’s judicial record, but he will not have to serve effective prison time or pay economic fines. In the same case, the teenager’s mother was sentenced to ten years in prison for her involvement in a money laundering scheme and alleged extortion against the player. Wander Franco’s future in Major League Baseball is uncertain, pending the MLB investigation and possible additional sports sanctions.“We are aware of the verdict issued in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.”
MLB
