A judge in the Dominican Republic has denied a request by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco to suspend required monthly meetings with authorities investigating allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. Franco is accused of sexual and psychological abuse and is currently under conditional release as the investigation continues. Although he has not been formally charged, Dominican authorities are allowed to detain suspects who are under investigation, with a judge later deciding whether there is enough evidence for charges to be filed. Prosecutors claim that Franco paid the girl’s mother thousands of dollars for her consent to the relationship, which allegedly lasted four months. The girl’s mother is also facing charges in the case and is currently under house arrest.
Franco’s attorneys had requested that the court return the $33,000 he had to deposit in order to obtain conditional release after being detained for a week in his native country back in early January. However, the judge denied this request after prosecutors rejected it and requested that all measures taken against Franco be upheld in order to ensure his presence at each step of the process. Franco’s attorneys have appealed both decisions, which were issued in March, and a ruling is currently pending.
The shortstop was having an All-Star season before being sidelined with the investigation in August. Major League Baseball also launched an investigation and placed Franco on the restricted list on August 14 before moving him to administrative leave on August 22. Both investigations are ongoing, and MLB is expected to wait until the conclusion of the Dominican investigation before deciding on any potential disciplinary actions against Franco.
Franco, who recently turned 23, was in the midst of his third major league season when his career was temporarily halted. Prior to being sidelined, he was hitting .281 with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts over 112 games. In 2021, Franco signed an $182 million, 11-year contract. His salary for last year and this year is $2 million per season.
The situation involving Wander Franco has garnered significant attention both in the Dominican Republic and within Major League Baseball. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings have raised questions about the player’s future in the sport and have left fans and observers eagerly awaiting the outcome. As the case continues to unfold, the baseball world will be closely monitoring any developments that may impact Franco’s career and reputation.
The allegations against Franco have cast a shadow over his otherwise promising career and have prompted discussions about the importance of accountability and the protection of minors in sports. The potential consequences of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for both the player and the organizations involved, highlighting the complex issues surrounding misconduct and legal proceedings in professional athletics. As the legal process plays out, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what impact it may have on the future of Wander Franco and the sport of baseball.
