Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays’ embattled shortstop, has had his administrative leave extended as the league continues its investigation into child sex abuse allegations. Major League Baseball and the MLB Players’ Association have extended Wander Franco’s administrative leave through July 14th. Franco’s leave was set to expire on June 1st. The extension is reportedly a procedural move to allow more time for new developments in a potential criminal case.
Franco has been away from the Rays since allegations surfaced about an inappropriate relationship with a minor last August. While he has not been charged with a crime, an investigation remains underway in the Dominican Republic, Franco’s native country. The embattled shortstop will continue to be paid his $2 million salary while on leave.
I can confirm @TBTimes_Rays report that Wander Franco’s stay on administrative leave has been extended through July 14.
Still will be paid.
Nothing changes logistically for Rays, MLB and MLBPA. Just an extension of leave.
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) May 30, 2024
In January, Dominican prosecutors delivered roughly 600 pages of evidence showing Franco had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl. He was paying the teenager’s mother for her consent with cash payments and a new car. Prosecutors accused Franco of “commercial sexual exploitation” and money laundering.
The extension extends into the MLB All-Star break and could spill into a critical point in the investigation. Dominican authorities face a July 5th deadline to present formal accusations against Franco, who has yet to be formally charged.
Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Has Leave Extended Amid Investigation
Wander Franco, a 23-year-old rising star who earned his first All-Star selection last year, was becoming one of baseball’s most thrilling young talents. He spent the previous six weeks of the 2023 season on leave after accusations of an intimate relationship with a teenage girl.
Franco was placed on administrative leave last August and removed from Tampa Bay’s active roster. He did not report to spring training partly due to uncertainties about his work visa and pending criminal charges. Franco is in his third year of an 11-year, $182 million contract with the Rays in November 2021. While on administrative leave, Franco will still be paid his $2 million salary and accrue service time.
MLB initiated a separate investigation into Franco, which is not expected to be completed until his criminal case is resolved. If a resolution doesn’t occur before July 14th, MLB and the Players’ Association can agree to extend Franco’s leave again. Franco will almost certainly be suspended under the league’s joint domestic violence policy. Criminal charges or convictions are not required for discipline under the domestic violence policy.
Main Photo Credits: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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