Major League Baseball has suspended Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell following domestic violence allegations by his ex-wife, officials announced Wednesday.
The league suspended Russell for 40 games without pay just one day after the Cubs ended their playoff run with a loss to the Rockies in the Wild Card game. Russell has agreed not to appeal the discipline, officials said. He is currently entering the second year of arbitration with the Cubs.
“My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Addison Russell violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy," Commissioner Robert Manfred said in a statement. "Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Russell violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will cover 40 games.”
Russell has denied the accusations. He was placed on administrative leave Sept. 21 after his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, re-iterated claims of domestic abuse. He was not on the wild-card roster.
"After gaining a full understanding of the situation I have concluded its in the best interest of my family to accept MLB's proposed resolution of this matter," Russell said in a statement Wednesday. "I wish my ex-wife well and hope we can live in peace for the benefit of our child."
MLB has said it began an investigation last year after allegations first became public.
Reidy posted a photo on her Instagram account with a caption suggesting her husband of about 18 months had been unfaithful to her. In another post, a user — described by Reidy as a close friend — claimed Russell had "hit" his wife. The post was later deleted.
Chicago Baseball
Reidy declined to talk to MLB at the time because she decided it was not in her family's best interests, her attorney, Thomas Field, said last year.
In September, a blog post attributed to Reidy described more detailed allegations, including years of physical and emotional abuse. Less than 12 hours later, MLB announced Russell had been put on leave under MLB's domestic violence policy.
Chicago acquired Russell in a July 2014 trade with Oakland. He helped the Cubs win the World Series two years ago, batting .238 with 21 homers and 95 RBIs in 151 games.
Russell hit .250 with five homers and 38 RBIs in 130 games this season.
