Wander Franco Scandal: Rays Star on Administrative Leave Amid Troubling Relationship Rumors

Major League Baseball has placed Tampa Bay Rays' shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave, effective immediately, per Yahoo! Sports.

This decision comes in response to allegations on social media suggesting Franco's involvement in a relationship with an underage girl.

The Rays initially moved Franco to the restricted list as MLB initiated an investigation. Eight days later, he has been put on administrative leave.

MLB emphasized that this move is not a disciplinary action but a standard procedure in their investigative process.

Franco will continue to receive compensation and accumulate service time throughout this leave period.

Moreover, authorities beyond MLB might also be conducting their own investigations. Police in Franco's home country, the Dominican Republic, are also reportedly looking into the matter.

Specifically, it is reported that the investigation is being overseen by the minors and gender violence unit.

The Rays have issued a statement expressing their endorsement of MLB's decision to place Franco on administrative leave.

The team emphasized their commitment to upholding integrity on and off the field and requested understanding and patience from fans and supporters while the investigation unfolds.

The Rays further announced their intention to refrain from making additional statements until MLB concludes its process.

Wander Franco Scandal

Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco is under scrutiny by Major League Baseball following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor, which surfaced on social media.

As a result, the Tampa Bay Rays have placed him on the restricted list during their recent road trip, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Simultaneously, authorities in his home country, the Dominican Republic, examine the allegations against the star shortstop.

In the province of Peravia, where Franco's hometown, Bani, is situated, a prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation involving a minor is in its initial stages.

This investigation will be overseen by Olga Dina Llaverias, a prosecutor with expertise in child abuse cases.

Reports from Diario Libre, a Dominican newspaper, stated that a 17-year-old girl lodged a complaint with the attorney general against Franco in July.

Despite the allegations, Franco, 22 years old, has asserted his innocence to his teammates. He also shared a since-deleted video on Instagram in which he refuted the accusations against him.

Details regarding the ongoing investigation are limited, leaving many aspects of the situation uncertain.

Notably, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has yet to publicly address the status of the investigation.

Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco

The Tampa Bay Rays are set to embark on a three-game home series against the Rockies, followed by another three-game home series against the Yankees, Sports Illustrated noted.

However, Wander Franco will not be joining them on the field, as he did not travel with the team on their previous road trip, which included matchups against the Giants and Angels.

Franco has displayed solid performance throughout this season's 112 games, maintaining a batting average of .281 while hitting 17 home runs, recording 58 runs batted in (RBIs), and successfully stealing 30 bases.

Notably, he also earned his inaugural All-Star selection this season, showcasing his impact on the field.

Under the joint policy that addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, players facing investigations, like Wander Franco, are placed on administrative leave.

This process is not intended as punitive and ensures that players continue to receive compensation and accrue service time during their leave. Both aspects can be altered in the event of an eventual suspension.

There is no predetermined duration for administrative leave, which can span the duration of an investigation. Typically, the leave is extended week by week until the investigation concludes.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Wander Franco Placed On Administrative Leave - From CBS Sports