Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested Monday within the Dominican Republic city of San Juan de la Maguana, situated 100 miles west of Santo Domingo, based on police. Franco and an unnamed girl have been concerned in an “altercation” within the parking zone of an condo constructing, ESPN’s Juan Recio reported from police sources.
Weapons have been reportedly drawn throughout the incident, however no particulars can be found as to why or what crime Franco dedicated. It can be not recognized whether or not Franco had a gun pointed or whether or not the firearms have been held solely by the police. He and the unnamed girl are reportedly being held for questioning.
Franco, 23, is presently on MLB’s restricted checklist and on indefinite depart from the Rays attributable to allegations that he was engaged in a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old woman. He has not performed for the Rays since Aug. 12, 2023, and MLB positioned him on administrative depart on Aug. 22, 2023, whereas it investigated him underneath the league’s coverage on home violence, sexual assault and youngster abuse.
The Rays positioned Franco on the restricted checklist in July after prosecutors within the Dominican Republic introduced he had been charged with human trafficking, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of a minor. The trial is about for December 12. If discovered responsible, he may very well be sentenced to as much as 20 years in jail.
Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in November 2021 after taking part in simply 70 MLB video games. He continued to obtain his wage and accrue service time whereas on administrative depart from Aug. 22 to July 2024, regardless of not taking part in for the Rays and being prohibited from leaving the Dominican Republic. Franco stopped receiving his wage and accruing hours of service when Raggi positioned him on the restricted checklist in July.
