MESA, Ariz. (AP) Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell says he’s sorry for the ”hurt and the pain” he caused his ex-wife but didn’t detail what prompted a 40-game suspension under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
Russell met with the media Friday for the first time since being suspended last fall, a penalty that he accepted without appeal. Russell spoke for nearly 20 minutes at Cubs camp, ahead of position players joining spring training workouts early next week.
The suspension followed allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Russell missed the final 11 regular-season games plus a wild-card playoff loss to Colorado. He will be eligible to return in early May, barring postponements.
Russell said his ”past behaviors were wrong and unacceptable.”
The 25-year-old Russell said, ”I don’t want to get into any specifics, but what I do want to say is I am accountable for my past actions. I’m not proud of the person I was, but I do want to own this issue and take responsibility for the hurt and the pain that I’ve caused Melisa, and for that I am sorry.”
Russell is now in a ”loving” relationship with another person, he said. He said his relationship with his ex-wife is ”moving in the right direction” as they co-parent their son.
Russell said he is working with a counselor. He noted the support of his family and the team. Cubs manager Joe Maddon and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein attended Russell’s session.
An All-Star in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series, he hit .250 with five home runs and 38 RBIs in 130 games last season. He received $3.4 million, one-year contract – a $200,000 raise – last month.
—
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports
THIS IS NOT A GAMBLING SITE – If you think you have a gambling problem click here to find help.
Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Individual users are responsible for the laws regarding accessing gambling information from their jurisdictions. Many countries around the world prohibit gambling, please check the laws in your location. Any use of this information that may violate any federal, state, local or international law is strictly prohibited.
Copyright: The information contained on TheSpread.com website is protected by international copyright and may not be reproduced, or redistributed in any way without expressed written consent.
About: TheSpread.com is the largest sports betting news site in the United States. We provide point spread news, odds, statistics and information to over 175 countries around the world each year. Our coverage includes all North American College and Professional Sports as well as entertainment, political and proposition wagering news.
©1999-2023 TheSpread.com