Addison Russell subject of domestic violence investigation after wife's Instagram post
Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell will be investigated by Major League Baseball after claims of domestic violence involving his wife surfaced on social media, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Thursday morning.
USA Today also confirmed the report.
Melisa Russell took to Instagram during Wednesday night’s Cubs-Marlins game to allege that Addison Russell had been unfaithful to her. The post has since been deleted, but not before it attracted a few comments from Melisa’s friend Carlie Reed that alleged Melisa had been both physically and mentally abused by Addison.
Russell was not in uniform for Thursday night’s game with the Marlins. He released a statement through the team denying the allegations.
“Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful. For the well-being of my family, I’ll have no further comment,” it read.
The team also released its own statement: “Last night, we were made aware of a serious claim posted on social media about Addison Russell. We reached out to Major League Baseball and, following the protocol established by MLB, will fully cooperate with the Commissioner’s Office as it gathers pertinent facts. Addison will not be in uniform tonight to allow him to work through this matter.”
CSN Chicago reported that MLB is in “fact-finding” mode right now and not a full-blown investigation. Under MLB’s domestic violence policy, a player can be placed on paid leave while the case is investigated.
Here is Melisa Russell’s since-deleted Instagram post, followed by Carlie’s comments:
Addison and Melisa Russell have been married a year and have a son. Addison also has a young daughter from another woman.
Addison Russell is the second MLB player to have domestic violence allegations leveled against him this week. Derek Norris of the Tampa Bay Rays is also being investigated by the league after an ex-fiancée detailed his alleged abuse in a blog post.
Considered part of the Cubs’ championship core, Russell has struggled in 2017. He is currently hitting just .209 with three home runs and 19 RBI.
The Cubs drew criticism in 2016 after trading for closer Aroldis Chapman, who received a 30-game suspension for a domestic violence incident in 2015.
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