3:55pm: The Cubs have now also issued a statement, via press release: “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.”
It should be stressed, of course, that there’s no team-issued suspension at play here. The Cubs, rather, are merely giving Russell a day off to work through the matter (as noted by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers). They’ll play a man short for tonight’s game.
3:35pm: Both Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago/670 The Score and Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago report that MLB has not launched a formal investigation of the matter (Twitter links). Rather, the league is “looking into” the matter, per Levine. Mooney, meanwhile, cites a source close to Russell in reporting that MLB is at a “fact-finding stage.” The exact distinction between a formal investigation and fact-finding is somewhat unclear, though the implication is clearly that the former is more serious than the latter.
3:20pm: Russell has issued a brief statement on the matter via a team press release: “Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful. For the well-being of my family, I’ll have no further comment.”
9:32am: Major League Baseball will investigate domestic violence allegations against Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago-Sun Times.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, a friend of Russell’s wife, Melisa, accused Russell of “mentally and physically” abusing Melisa. As a result, the league would like to interview both Melisa Russell and her friend, according to Wittenmyer.
Addison Russell is now the second major leaguer to face domestic abuse allegations this week. Rays catcher Derek Norris’ ex-fiancee accused him of “physical and emotional abuse” in an Instagram post on Tuesday, but Norris quickly refuted that, saying: “I have NEVER been physically or emotionally abusive towards her, or anyone else in my life. I plan to go above and beyond to assist MLB with their investigation into this matter.”
Since the league instituted its current domestic violence policy two years ago, suspensions have been handed out to Aroldis Chapman, Jose Reyes, Hector Olivera and Jeurys Familia. As MLBTR’s Steve Adams noted on Wednesday, each of those players’ situations dealt with singular incidents and came with criminal investigations. The cases of Russell and Norris differ from theirs, but both players are clearly at risk of facing some sort of punishment from the league.
Yes, let’s just believe the friend that is making claims, “mentally and physically”.
Let’s wait for the facts to come out before we just assume she is lying ok? She could be right or she could be BS. Just because she’s not the one in the relationship doesn’t mean anything.
its 50 50 whether its true or she doesnt get along with him and doesnt think they should be together.
See, the reason norris and this seems fishy is cause there’s no history of like cops being called, unless there is that i am unaware of. I mean surely this friend called the cops at least once cause of his actions.
Also, people can file civil law suits for domestic abuse if they can prove the abuse occurred. Physical abuse can be easily proven in most instance. Mental/verbal might take a couple hidden phone voice recordings. While domestic violence is awful of all people to do it at least women who are abused can get paid for their abuse by athletes to set themselves in good position going forward.
“there’s no history of like cops being called,”
I hope you are aware that the vast majority of all domestic violence is never reported to the police, for many reasons, including both fear and love.
I am aware. I am also aware cops should be called if youre in a domestic violence situation and also aware there are services out there to help women in those instances.
But I do hope you are aware domestic violence is different for celebrities than regular people. This isnt john doe from 123 normal street. No this is a professional athlete who is in a multi million dollar industry. Which is why I said women who are in domestic violence situations with athletes should seek a civil law suit.
That is true. So if it isn’t reported to the police, why should the MLB take action either?
If the victim isn’t going to report it to the police, she’s not going to report it to the MLB.
Whenever I see comments like this (and they appear in some form in virtually every thread on a domestic violence investigation) I know that many haven’t actually read the joint policy. Easily found:
riveraveblues.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Domes…
Bottom line: this is not a legal process. It is a policy and process adopted jointly between the MLB and MLBPA that is deliberately independent of any criminal charges or lawsuits. And a reminder, the reason the players and MLB adopted this joint policy was to get ahead of the problem of domestic violence and not allow MLB to suffer the same reputation damage we’ve seen in other pro sports. Arguing that the alleged victim in a domestic violence case involving a player ought to be hashed out in court before it is addressed by MLB is essentially obviating the entire policy and the purpose both parties were trying to achieve in adopting it.
Well said.
There’s two issues at hand here.
First being the player and the league. The second being the player and the legal system. You focused on the player and league. Im focused on player and legal system.
The MLB isnt going to put domestic abusers behind bars and isnt going to decide a civil lawsuit for damages. Thats the legal systems job.
So coming out on instagram or facebook or twitter claiming a player to be abusive really does nothing other than get the league involved, which would of happened had they gone to the authorities.
The league may or may not report what they find to the authorities. Goodell and his office didnt exactly turn over the rice video.
If this is truly a domestic violence situation involving russell or norris or any player women should go to the authorities.
Social justice doesnt put people behind bars and long as theyre productive players still will make millions despite domestic abuse allegations.
Seriously, if mike trout or kris bryant ever were accused and charged with domestic violence theyd still find work long as theyre putting up mvp caliber numbers.
Greg Hardy still found a job. Had he posted insane sack numbers hed still be employed. 12 games 6 sacks he wasnt worth the trouble. 12 games 12+ sacks well hes productive.
Just like in Most of the cases above charges were not filed but MLB uses their own private investigator and will always get their way. Familia not charged but suspended. Chapman not charged suspended. Reyes not charged suspended. As long as the MLB has the evidence that abuse happened they will suspend. Doent mean that the women may charge the player.
They were suspended and still playing. Which proves my point that long as you are productive there’s a place for you in sports.
Which only furthers the question what exactly do women get from the MLB suspending the players or solely from an mlb investigation- seems like literally nothing? Almost positive a suspension doesnt come with mandated anger management classes- seems like something that would be an issue for the players association.
In a word, no. You are once again confusing the joint policy on domestic violence with a legal issue. It is completely clear from the policy itself (which I will once again urge you to read) and also the way it has been implemented thus far that nothing “reportable” to any authority needs to have occurred for the commissioner to be interested, or to take action. Using buzzword phrases such as “social justice” to make your argument does nothing to help your case as again the joint policy has nothing whatsoever to do with that either. It has everything to do with the league and the players’ interest in maintaining the reputation of the game. Full stop, over and out.
Read the policy. It really helps to know what is actually in it.
BSLA- Takes a lot of gall to use bits from the collectively bargained league rules instead of national review or breitbart articles to support your arguments.
Do you know where you are?
Up a creek without a paddle?
You seem to be confusing what I am saying. I will be more precise.
1. IF domestic violence did occur women should report the domestic violence to the authorities- yes there are reasons why women dont. What women shouldnt do is post claims of domestic abuse on social media. It should be investigated by the police, not just MLB.
2. I am not talking about the MLB- MLBPA joint policy. Idk why you keep bringing it up. Has 0 bearing on what I am saying as I am focusing on player and the legal system which is a separate issue than player and the league. I thought that was obvious with me discussing civil suits and jail time, neither of which the league handles, but I will point it out again for your convenience. If domestic violence did occur it should be investigated by the legal system not just MLB. The MLB doesn’t handle jail/prison time or civil suits. All the MLB can do is suspend, fine, ban players. Nothing more nothing less. Domestic violence is a serious issue and suspending, banning, fining players doesn’t stop it from happening. In case you were confused.
3. Social justice where people condemn someones actions on a forum or social media has never and will never put people in jail, prison, or have any legal ramifications unless the legal system gets involved.. If you prefer the phrase court of public opinion instead of social justice fine- neither actually will do anything. If Domestic violence did occur it should be handled by police/ the legal system.
4. IF youre not sure what I am talking about look no further than the example of Milton Bradley.
seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/domestic-abuse-by…
5. Just to sum up- proper authorities should be involved in domestic abuse claims (legal system). MLB-MLBPA has no authority over the legal system investigation or outcome over their investigation (jail time/fines/civil suits) so the joint policy means nothing when you’re discussing legal action.
I hope this clears things up for you. The MLB will handle its own investigation into Norris and Russell and all players. What needs to happen is for the legal system to investigate the claims as well. As I previously stated nothing the MLB does will stop domestic abuse from occurring. Suspensions, fines, being banned won’t stop domestic abuse.
Please refer to the legal system handling domestic violence as that is what my comments are discussing.
You are aware that his wife did not post the dom violence claims on social media, right?
I am. It was her friend or something. Still, domestic violence should still be investigated by the legal system and the league. It doesn’t hurt to send a cop out to her house while he is playing a game in another city to investigate. Worst that can happen is she says no thats false it didn’t happen. Literally could be a 10 minute conversation that ends with the wife saying nope that was a lie.
No it really doesn’t clear much up, because the commissioner is free to investigate and sanction any domestic violence allegation against a player irrespective of whether any law has been broken or any legal authority takes action, so I don’t see the purpose of mixing up the two processes except to create confusion.
Well, I gave you reasons why there should be two separate investigations.
Worst MLB can do is suspend, fine, ban a player from the league. That doesn’t stop domestic abuse from occurring.
The legal system sending a player to jail/prison and/or issuing restraining orders. Well, that does help domestic abuse in most instances.
The MLB doesn’t issue restraining orders, it doesn’t put players in jail/ prison.
Also, 0 guarantee the MLB NFL NBA actually reports what they find to the proper authorities. And I mean ZERO guarantee.
Please, show me on that link you provided about the MLB MLBPA joint policy where it outlines the jail time, restraining order part of domestic abuse investigation conducted by the MLB. I tried ctrl+f on the link but couldn’t find it. Weird.
So you are aware that there are reasons victims don’t report. You are also aware that she did not report it..
OK then.
Just gonna repost my comment to you before
“It doesn’t hurt to send a cop out to her house while he is playing a game in another city to investigate. Worst that can happen is she says no thats false it didn’t happen. Literally could be a 10 minute conversation that ends with the wife saying nope that was a lie.”
Cop: Hey we are here to look into the claim your husband hurt you
Wife: Oh no, that wasn’t the case
Cop: So your husband hasnt physically harmed you?
Wife: No.
Cop: Ok maam here is our card if you ever need anything have a good day
I am not sure what the wife not reporting it has to do with sending a cop out just to check. I mean you’re saying there’s reasons women dont report…but somehow seem against a cop going out to check and initiate communication which is a way to help with the not reporting it thing. Cause it would really hurt women for a cop to go out, seem concerned, and leave his card. Yup. Definitely a bad idea people shouldn’t do that.
If you know that there are reasons victims don’t report, you know that “it doesn’t hurt to send a cop to her house….” is not a blanket truth.
You know it’s not always a way to get the truth. And you know it’s not always the way to ensure a victim’s future safety.
Again, gonna report part of my comment.
“It doesn’t hurt to send a cop out to her house while he is playing a game in another city to investigate”- as in cop goes and checks while he is out of town. Probably the safest time to do so in the event it is occurring.
Also, I never said it was a way to get the truth. If she doesn’t wanna talk thats her decision. There are places that help women who are victims of domestic abuse and social services. helpstartshere.org/kids-and-families/family-safety…
Sending a cop is a way to at least a. realize it isnt true if it isnt or b. at least open up the means of communication. Hell send a plain clothes officer if it makes you feel better. More times than not a cop being sent will be better than nothing being done at all.
You are shockingly comfortable speaking in absolutes.
Is there a guard gate? A live-in Nanny, security guard, maid, relative or neighbor who would inform the abuser?
Is there a security camera that alerts him of visitors? If she was scared, confused ,depressed, overwhelmed, or ignorant of the severity of the situation, and lied during that first visit, would she feel backed into a corner and remain silent if the abuse increased?
Sending a cop does not accomplish, with certainty, any of the things you claim. And could put a victim in greater danger.
You are correct regarding the policy, but its a guilty until proven innocent approach for the players which makes it very easy for the alleged victims to cry foul in order to sabotage.
Not saying this is the case at all, but this is why I don’t like the policy.
Relationships are not easy for anyone. Emotional abuse happens from both sides in almost every relationship at one point or another. Love brings out these emotions, but theres a big difference between abuse that happens and an “abusive relationship.” People say things when upset, no one is above that.
Physical abuse is never okay even on the rarest occasion.
I would like to see the legalities seen through until theres at least blatant probability of the occurrence before the league suspends anyone.
What did I miss?
Who found him guilty?
When was he found guilty?
What was he found guilty of?
MLB is working within its limited abilities to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the sport. If someone has broken the law, by all means they should be prosecuted. But that again is not necessarily connected to the baseball policy, which it seems to me we should be interested in primarily, given the topic of this site.
Your point is becoming steadily more difficult to follow.
See Ray Rice. Multimillionaire who would not have had charges ore any issue had he not smacked his then girlfriend around in a hotel elevator with a security camera. These guys with money and celebrity think they can do what they want… Celebs with money get off easier.
This was in response to way above where the rich and an famous are way different than us little people who are the ones who abuse our significant others and the rich celebrities are to smart for such things cause they do not want to lose all the money. See also Ray Carruth….
My point has been stated multiple times by me. Ill repost it yet again for you.
Any time a domestic violence claim is made it should be looked into by the proper authorities. At minimum send a cop out to talk to the person. If nothing turns up or she refuses to press charges or whatever thats their deal.
The MLB should not be handling a domestic violence inquiry solemnly by themselves for many reasons, mainly bias in that they have conflicting interest.
I’m glad you teach our youth mathematics and not grammar.
You don’t have to repost or continually re-explain your position. I assume everyone already gets that you don’t like the joint policy on domestic violence, and think the commissioner should not abide by it even though the teams and the players both endorse it. So put that in the big file under “never going to happen.” The reasons why, I’ve already explained multiple times, so there’s no reason to repost or re-explain them either.
Exactly.
Domestic violence claims are often dismissed as lies when usually the truth is where there is smoke there is fire.
Hope he is found to be innocent.
I also hope is wife is safe and not having to hide any ugly truth.
Considering Russel’s wife could’ve gone to the police while he was on a road trip, something isn’t right
Can you think of any reason in the world besides “nothing really happened” for why she wouldn’t?
Let’s not assume she is right. There is a surplus of hoaxes of late that get way more attention than the news of the hoax.
Hear ye Hear ye… Trade Rumors Court is now in session. All lawyers and Judges will now be heard.
Big W,funny as Hell!
With many modern women (especially the younger ones) being the way they are (entitled, narcissistic, delusional, selfish, manipulative, etc.), I don’t believe a word of any allegations until the ENTIRE story comes out.
He may have cheated (bad, I know), but maybe she cheated first and he forgave her. Who knows?
I’ve just heard far too many stories of women magically bringing “abuse” issues to the forefront, when it comes time to divorce and get the kids.
Just watch “Divorce Corp.” on Netflix. Everything she’s doing is right from the playbook. I mean, if she was abused before, why is this the first time we’re hearing about it???
you are absolutely beyond evil. please stay far away from women. disgusting abuse apologist. people like you are why countless domestic violence victims spend years enduring physical and emotional torture without any means of seeking help.
Again we hear from the self righteous snowflake! The wussification of America is strong in this one!
Lol. You’re a joke. You have no clue if this woman is even a victim. All I’m saying is WAIT FOR THE FACTS TO COME OUT, mor o n.
Would you be perfectly okay with someone accusing you of theft, while you’re in a store, and automatically being arrested, and proven guilty in the public’s eyes with absolutely no proof? Of course you would not.
Women have every single law on their side. All they have to do is call 911, make a claim that a guy abused them, and he will be unconstitutionally arrested, without any proof. That’s reality.
This is the reality of today. Yea, she seems so “abused,” in that Instagram picture. You know…the one where she in a bathing suit, smiling, and posting with her t ! T S out.
I teach preschoolers to use their kind words, not their hands. Why are these men having this problem?
We’re talking about a social media post from a friend of a potential victim. Can we at least way for a substantive allegation before jumping to a conclusion?
*wait
How about we wait to condemn him until after the investigation concludes? Russell doesn’t seem like the type of person that would do this. Such high energy and always smiling. But if he did do this he should be charged.
No one “seems like the type to do this”. Jose Reyes is high energy and always smiling, as is Jeurys Familia.
I am sure you also teach them to not tell lies.
In the event they are lying, why are these women having problems?
Also why is the immediate go to welp she said it happened so it must of?
Been a lot of false accusations from women over the years.
Been a lot more unreported abuse over the years. I would guess that it’s about 100 to 1 unreported cases to false accusations.
A friend works as a bailiff in the courts here and he has said that it’s often the 100th or more time the victim was abused before it got to the level where there were physical injuries too grave to not get treatment for before they are forced to say that they were abused. That is not even a slight exaggeration. The number he gives may actually be low.
To me, it seems like many if not most of the people on this board need to spend some time studying abusive spousal behavior and maybe even serve some time volunteering in centers for abused women and children. The women you meet there will run the gamut of age and social status. Their stories will be very similar and will haunt you.
It does not matter if the spouse reported it to the police or if a friend came forward. What matters here is that MLB is in front of the process and addressing it before it gets to the point where police have to be called. As a society, we need to head off this epidemic and start to address it openly without pointing fingers and saying he is lying or she is lying. Both parties in an abusive situation need help and the victim needs support.
Exactly – outinleftfield
So are you counting the 100 to 1 as repeat offenses? Like same woman beaten over and over? Cause thats not statisticaly fair then.
If youre comparing 1 false rape allegation or domestic violence allegation to repeat instances of true rape or domestic violence statistically thats not a fair comparison cause the false accuser isnt going around making multiple fake allegations. Course women repeatedly abused and dont report will outweigh the fake ones.
But either way fake rape domestic violence accusations are just as awful as real ones occurring.
Also according to stats false rape allegations (ones that can be proven completely false) at between 2-10% of all cases. This does not include ones where people are actually innocent and convicted. So that number goes higher. nationalreview.com/corner/416536/how-common-are-fa…
I cant find fake domestic violence but id assume that would be higher in percents than false rape.
OILF- Please don’t bring reasoned, compassionate arguments here..
This is a space for false narratives, misogyny and clueless interpretations of life and law.
Search posts that begin by decrying evil in any form followed by the word “but” for teachings on how to proceed.
Your attention on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Women abuse men just as much.
But there is a massive stigma against men reporting abuse. Basically no women take it seriously, the system doesn’t even pretend women on man abuse is a thing – that’s the perfect condition for a sigma….this is part of the problem why many men don’t take abuse of women seriously, because it’s ignored when the man is the victim, which is just as often.
This is some quality trolling. Good on ya, sir!
How dare you belittle someone for calling attention for a serious and under reported issue in our society. ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime
*Women abuse just as much as men
That is a horrifically ignorant statement and a lie.
It’s false equivalence at it’s worst.
No thinking person can agree with that line. Thus= quality trolling.(cmon, the dudes name didn’t give it awayt o you either!?)
Should of added #sarcasm. Men do get abused by women. But women are more likely to have it happen.
33% vs 25% and 25% to like 17%
My wife used to close fist punch me in the face when she was angry. Just because it doesn’t hurt all that much doesn’t make it OK.
Can you prove he’s guilty?? No?? Ok then, stick to teaching
The whole cub team and fans act abusive and like bullies. Hope he gets what’s coming to the women beater.
Lol ok.
Because we have a President who considers sexual abuse of women as sport?
Bill Clinton left office 16 years ago!! Get over it! MOVE ON.ORG!!!
Bill Clinton’s scandal was consensual adultery. Big difference.
Try looking up the history of his sexual harassment on the campaign trail and the out of court settlements.
Uhh, ask Juanita Broaderick if SHE thought it was consensual.
Ha! You believe a victim when it fits your narrative.
Just sitting here waiting for “Just Another Fan” to chime in how Russell absolutely is guilty and is trash… over under 15 minutes before his first comment. Anyone?
I was hoping he got banned from here
If only…. what’s his deal?
The person is either a nut or a troll. Hard to tell anymore.
Neither, I just believe in human rights. I love baseball and almost all of my posts are on-topic and are not targeting anyone for harassment, unlike those who repeatedly target me (all you talking about me, in this thread for instance). Really wish youd would grow up.
Man, I understand your plight, but constantly telling anonymous figures on an internet message board to “grow up” is borderline hysterically ironic. I know it can get frustrating, but you’ll never win that fight.
Guess it’s the over…
Its still a little early on the left coast, but don’t worry the judge, jury, and executioner will be on.
Not only that self righteous DN but the A kissers that support his ramblings just to play devils advocate!
Why are people these days so sensitive to the opinions of others? So this person says things you don’t like. Who cares, move on. It’s the internet.
People are sick of the self righteous holy than thou social justice warrior bs.
Even worse. Its typically the uneducated self righteous holy than thou social justice warrior bs they’re fed up with.
Also, I think men in general are fed up constantly being put down/attacked by extreme feminism and other new age bs.
It isnt sensitivty lol. Its fedupness. People are fed up being verbally assaulted if their opinions dont line up 100%.
“Also, I think men in general are fed up constantly being put down/attacked by extreme feminism and other new age bs.”
Yes because men are trash and we deserve it, all. We are to blame for literally everything horrible in the world and only the truly courageous can see that, the rest – yall cowards and you prove it over and over and over again. Instead of doubling down on it, why not try and fix it, fix yourselves? Do better, be better people – if that’s too hard then you’re too soft.
Sounds like you got some personal self loathing issues to sort out there bud. Good luck with that.
Also, I, as a male, did nothing actually. What people of the past and what other men do dont define me and doesnt mean you get to lump me or any male together.
Whatever happened to judging people by their actions and character.
@JAF Man, you love labeling people, don’t you? After that racist comment yesterday in the Norris thread, you say this about men?
It must be so hard for you.
They found condoms in his condo, could be lyrics to a country AND western song!:) just sayn
Please mount this on top of every comment section.
Although the venomous hatred I have received merely by saying “don’t victim shame” really speaks volumes about the posters who are that mad. Why is saying that making them so mad huh? Ohhh right, they probably have put hands on a woman before and hate that I’m calling them out as well about it, way to out yourselves, idiots.
@cubsfan2489 your comment is not conductive to a healthy discussion. Please keep it baseball related. If you disagree with someone, fine. But don’t prolong an argument that already ended.
Don’t feed the trolls
Don’t feed the trolls. Classic…
West coast Ryan
So glad you appointed yourself to represent everyone!
Just sitting here waiting for you to go away
Who?
TheWestCoastRyan…..As we are for you…..always talking about the trolls as if you’re Mr. ALL KNOWING.
Give us all a break and go away for awhile.
As if I, or anyone for that matter, should care what some loser who thinks wins and losses are a relevant stat thinks about anything.
I ain’t going nowhere so settle in.
Once again you’re stirring the pot for no reason. Wouldn’t doubt if you and just another fan were the same person just with different accounts. Since you have such a exciting and busy life, douche bag.
Nope. Only have one account. And you don’t know my life. And you’re one to talk about “stirring the pot for no reason” when you call JAF out completely unprovoked in your original comment. Are we at the point where you say you’re done commenting and then continue to comment for like a week yet?
Nope, that’d be you. Thanks tho. And I am not alone in the feelings about JAF and you. You two are obviously trolls who just know EVERYTHING about anything! And everyone who disagrees is just plain in the wrong!
You randomly called out another commenter who hadn’t even posted yet. You’re the pot stirrer. And now you’re throwing an infantile tantrum because I am once again putting you in your place. I guess in your delusional mind, a “troll” is anyone you disagree with. And I never claimed to know everything. Thanks tho.
Haha, you don’t have the ability to put anyone in any place. Go back to being that weird creepy nerdy kid that nobody likes. Or get a life.
Sure I do. I did it to you last February and I’ll do it again now. And once again, you have no idea what I or anyone has or does in their own private lives so why don’t you get a life outside of avidly trolling MLBTR before jumping to conclusions about others.
You did what to me in February? Kept commenting and annoying me? Dude I have a job where I actually work 40 hours a week. What do you do? Have mommy and daddy pay for everything while you troll on the internet? You don’t have the ability to do anything to me. Feel free to catch a flight to St. Louis, rent a car, and drive north on 61 for a hour and a half and meet up with me. I promise you you won’t be able to do anything, except crap down your leg when you see me. The inmates I supervise at work are manlier than you, and their women. I’m stating facts about you and JAF, if anyone disagrees with either of you, their wrong and you’re right. Plain and simple. You two are the two smallest minded individuals on this sight.
You also kept commenting and annoying me last February. And it was you who started it.
Why do you feel the need to relay inconsequential information about your life which nobody on here cares about? Sounds like a desperate cry for attention.
Once again, you don’t know me cupcake.
I have the ability to make you keep commenting after saying you are done commenting. Who does that? Not normal individuals which you are not part of that consortium.
Sounds like a threat.
They’re* women.
You have stated zero facts.
They’re* wrong and you’re right.
No one is always right, but I try to pay attention to what’s going on and not let my own biases get in the way of that, like how Cubs fans were so certain Aroldis Chapman would take an extension.
You really should double check things dude. This post was just a disaster for you. Such awful inaccurate statements and Kindergarten level grammar errors that I had to correct for you. Let’s follow up that note with one of your ridiculous expressions.
✌
You both need to grow up.
At what point have I stated I’m done commenting? Oh you are still bringing up that time that YOU kept commenting for a week because YOU act like you’re 5 and have to have the last word? My bad on the grammatical errors. The one time I’ve posted any errors on this site. Good catch bud. Go back to your little life where nobody gives a flying rats ass about you because you probably need to pull a Aaron Hernandez. (Btw, never said I thought Chapman would sign a extension.)
Actually I’m just keeping this nutjob entertained so that he doesn’t go out and hurt somebody in his sad life.
IUpset? That’s good.
You are and were doing the exact same thing (trying to get the last word in) so you are saying that you are acting like you are five.
“The one time I posted any errors on this site.” Another lie from your delusional mind.
A lot of people give a flying rats ass about me actually. I honestly don’t know where you got the idea otherwise. Are you projecting your own problems onto me? Hilarious, but not surprising.
You did indeed say that Chapman would sign an extension if the Yankees didn’t trade him even tho anyone with half a brain knew that Chapman foregoing free agency for anything was never even in theory.
✌
As I sit here and read all these comments by people like you blaming the victim and questioning her motives. It’s quite rich. I don’t rush to judgement but I do understand why women are often afraid to come forward. I’ve worked in social services. I know the hurdles women have to overcome in these cases.
What a POS
Got to love the new age we live in…. sigh. Not saying if it’s true or not true, right or not right. Once anything like this comes out, it has a very negative impact on the player and organization. People are supposed to conduct themselves and take care of things properly or privately until these allegations are actually confirmed.
Love the new generation!!! XD
Oftentimes in the past when this was handled “properly or privately” it was swept under the rug which allowed the abuser to find new victims later. Not saying that happened all the time ,or making everything public immediately is the way to go, just that there is no “ideal” way of going about it
Yes, there is an ideal way of going about it.
Make it public If and ONLY if the allegations actually hold up and punishment is to be doled out.
There’s nothing to be gained by prematurely announcing to the public that someone may be a domestic abuser because someone else made an Instagram post about them.
All the MLB commented on was that an investigation has started. I am sure the beat reports sooner or later would pick up on this, and come around the MLB offices asking. The leagues is doing the smart thing getting out ahead of it vs. having a Ray Rice scandal on theirs hands.
The league doing a proper investigation and coming to a conclusion is best for both situations. If abuse does happen, then the perpetrator can be punished. If there was no evidence of abuse, the player’s name will be cleared, and hopefully set an example for future cases where somebody contemplates making false accusations.
“If there was no evidence of abuse, the player’s name will be cleared”
If this was actually true it’d be less of an issue, but people don’t forget these things.
There was no evidence of abuse in Chapman’s case either. He was suspended for firing off a gun in his garage.
People still call him a wife beater.
I agree, and like I said, its not a perfect system. The alternative, in this example would be that the accusation is still made public, but no investigation is done. Does that help the players reputation at all? At least if the investigation is done well and thoroughly, he will be able to point back to the results.
Chapman was suspended 30 games under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy and did not appeal. lets be clear, he was not suspended for having a little target practice in his garage. He pulled out a gun and fired it 8 times while fighting with his girlfriend.
m.mlb.com/news/article/165860226/yankees-aroldis-c…
That doesn’t change what I said. He fired a gun (at nobody) while fighting with his girlfriend. That doesn’t make him a “woman beater”.
From the DOJ website, the definition of domestic abuse:
“We define domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
Psychological Abuse: Elements of psychological abuse include – but are not limited to – causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends; destruction of pets and property; and forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work.”
Firing a gun off 8 times in the midst of an argument would qualify there.
So there was proof of domestic abuse (and admittance of guilt by Chapman himself).
If you want to nitpick over the nuance of calling him a “wife beater” vs. a “perpetrator of domestic violence using physiological abuse”, I will concede that one to you. But really, now you are defending Aroldis Chapman and certain types of domestic violence in general.
No, the alternative would be the public accusation, and then mlb doing an internal investigation, without making it known to the media. Then after it is done, deciding whether or not it is necessary to release the information to the media.
I’m not sure why your alternative automatically jumps to just not doing an investigation…
What you should be reading is the MLB-MLBPA joint policy on domestic violence.
riveraveblues.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Domes…
You are right, the league could just continue to reply “no comment” while an investigation is ongoing after the public accusation. In a vacuum, I would agree that could be a better way of going about it, but that would only work if everybody had trust in the system. There is currently a lack of trust from years of cover-ups and ignoring victims’ voices. The league and the player’s association clearly both agree that for the integrity of the game, changes had to be made and the issue addressed. In order to start to regain trust, the league is now trying to be as transparent as possible. Perhaps when the current policy expires in two years, if that trust has been rebuilt and there have been a high incidence of proven false accusations that have negatively affected the players, the MLBPA will be in a position to negotiate not commenting on whether or not an investigation is ongoing.
We can debate whether a player’s reputation is hurt by false accusations, and what the real damage that reputation hit is. But really, I think the important question is what is riskier: A player potentially taking a reputation hit, or victims of domestic violence being kept silent and in dangerous situations.
The league and the MLBPA have both decided that right now, they want to err on the side of protecting victims of domestic violence.
Perhaps the pendulum has swung too far in that direction – I am not arguing one way or the other. I am just trying to explain why things are the way they are now and that it is a difficult situation with no clear “perfect” solutions.
Hmm. No, I don’t think so. If a public accusation or some other public incident occurs that suggests domestic violence, and MLB refuses to acknowledge that they are looking into it under the policy, then the policy become effectively worthless for the purpose it was intended to serve. On at least one occasion that comes to mind the player was cleared under the policy, and life went on. Maybe the policy will be altered when it next comes up for review, but I doubt that happens because it is actually working as it was intended. That would be a bad reason to change it, don’t you think?
Hmmm, yes, I think so.
“then the policy become effectively worthless for the purpose it was intended to serve”
Haha, what? What exactly do you think is the point this is supposed to serve? The purpose was to punish those that violated the DV rule. How would not commenting about the investigation until after it is done make that policy worthless?
Unless you are arguing that the point of the policy was a PR move to let people know the league was “taking this seriously”. Or act as a deterrent by airing all accusations levied against a player regardless of proof.
The “no comment” or “We don’t have all the facts necessary to comment at this moment” out clauses are used CONSTANTLY.
Reading the joint policy should answer most of your questions. I really recommend it. If it doesn’t become clear from the text you could also look up the comments of the commissioner and union when they announced it. The purpose of the policy was to discourage and sanction player behavior that isn’t in the best interests of the game. You are aware (I hope) that this is the job description of the commissioner. Call it a “PR move” if that makes you happy, but in effect, that’s exactly what it is, an effort to proactively avoid the bad publicity over domestic violence incidents that has sullied other pro sports. Again I suppose you need to be reminded that players created this policy jointly with ownership. Their rights are fully protected by the policy, even if you refuse to believe it. Again, read the policy.
Exactly. Look at Roger Clemens, who was carrying on a physical affair with a 15-year-old while he was an adult, and nobody really knew about it or cared about it until that woman actually committed suicide.
Agreed
I blame the NFL. If they hadn’t handled actual CDV incidents so poorly then MLB wouldn’t feel the need to overreact to this stuff.
instagram seems to be the place to post this kind of stuff
I heard from a friend. He said that his room mate’s brother knows this guy. He runs a car wash in cobb county. One of his employees put on facebook that he saw Matt Kemp abusing his girlfriend in line at the chik fil A.
I love and appreciate the sarcasm, but I fear for what may happen by just dropping the first random name that came to mind. Some people will take it and run with it unfortunately.
That was the point I was trying to make
Where is the freaking union on this? This is ABSURD.
People have to understand that there is a certain subset of people who are mired in victim mentality and toss these words around as if they are nothing.
Men spreading their legs on buses and subways is considered abusive to them. It would be comical if it weren’t destroying people’s lives.
MLB MUST stop commenting publically on these matters until conducting private investigations into them first.
Tony Clark, what do you think your job is…?
I agree. Stop jumping the gun and publicly announcing that someone is being “investigated” for domestic abuse because of some shmo’s Instagram pots. Wait until the investigation is done, THEN make it public if it is necessary to.
Even if no fault is found in him, now people are still going to have a bitter taste in their mouth about Russell.
All the MLB said was that it was investigating an accusation of a serious crime that was publicly levied against a player. The results of that investigation will either determine is innocence or guilt.
All the MLB commented on was that an investigation has started. If they had “no comment” people would freak out that they weren’t doing anything, and like it or not, MLB has in its recent past had several high profile examples of domestic violence that needs to be stamped out and not tolerated. Investigating these allegations, punishing the abusers, and disproving the false allegations are the only way to do that
Tony Clark’s job is not to shield players from all accusations thrown at them. If the player was immediately suspended with only this information, I am sure he would step in.
They don’t even need to publicly announce that an investigation has started. That serves no purpose to the public, that at the time, had no idea about the allegations.
The accusation was made publicly. Sooner or later it would have been picked up by some outlet somewhere. The league is doing the smart thing and getting out ahead of it.
How so?
Other than appeasing the pitch fork crowd, what purpose is served by commenting on the matter?
“MLB does not issue comment on such matters until conducting an internal investigation. No further comment will be made until said investigation is completed.” Done.
Anyone can accuse anyone of anything, there is no reason to legitimize baseless allegations without first determining merit. It damages the player’s, the team’s and league’s brand potentially based on absolutely nothing for no real gain.
Trying people in the court of public opinion (often figurative lynch mobs) has never been helpful to justice. The MLB should issue no comments at all unless they need to impose a suspension. Then they can state the reason. If legal charges are brought or an arrest is made, that’s when it becomes a matter of public record.
I think it’s fine if the league wants to announce it if someone close to the family or his wife herself says something, not when an instagram comment gets left by someone who may or may not even know them. Just because it’s an “instagram friend” doesn’t mean that it can’t be a random follower. So if he is innocent (not saying he is) then he is now forever tied to domestic abuse because someone had nothing better to do then spread rumors
The freaking union agreed to this process, so that’s where they are on this.
The people that find “manspreading” offensive are equally worse as the people that tell women to dress modestly and “close their legs”.
Total prudes!!!
Liberals are the new 1950s Catholics.
I agree, JoshBell. There’s a high school gossip vibe to this matter – uncomfortable.
Welcome to the 21st century, where personal matters are routinely taken public on social media. Right or wrong, that’s the way it is now. All the commissioner can do under these circumstances is discreetly look into it without prejudicing any outcomes. And it seems this is precisely what is happening in this case just as it has been in every other one raised under the policy so far.
Test
MLB Channel doesn’t have any balls talking about Cardinals
His wife did make an Instagram post alluding to him cheating on her, but she made no mention of physical abuse.
There is certainly not enough information to draw conclusions. Regardless, I hate that social media has become the platform to discuss private matters such as this. Not saying that a public statement can’t be made, but posting to Instagram just seems like a childish way to go about it. And I’m referring mainly to Melissa’s post claiming she was cheated on and lied to. But the same goes for her friend’s claims of abuse. I just read Chipper’s book where he kinda goes through some of the mistakes he made as a young guy facing temptation. I can’t speak on that since I’ve never had fame and millions at my disposal. But if these allegations are true, Russ might wanna pick up a copy of Larry’s book.
hes a cub, cub players would never do that. just waiting for those responses
You’ll be waiting a long time, living in that fantasy world you live in.
Fairly certain its sarcasm…
I doubt he is.
I doubt he was, considering he’s a Sox fan.
He’s basically mocking Cubs fans by expressing a thought that I have never seen expressed by a Cubs fan.
I’ll agree that the Cubs have a lot of classy players (Rizzo, Bryant, Rizzo) that I would never expect to see in the media for the wrong reasons, but that doesn’t mean I’d be completely shocked if there were others that did.
I honestly hope this is just a false claim. I absolutely love Russell and he has such a bright future and has already done so much in the little time he has been in the majors and still hasn’t reached his fullest potential. He also doesn’t seem like a person who would do something like this. That of course is just my opinion since I don’t know him personally(I wish I could say I did) but I think I can speak for everyone that there are some people who are accused of DV and you can tell just by looking at them that they did it(Greg Hardy to name one) and I don’t get that feeling when I look at Russell. Again this is just my opinion but all in all I just hope this is just a false claim and he didn’t actually ruin his life
“Future MVP Addison Russell”-Len Kasper
“Future DOC Addison Russell”-Rob Manfried
Instagram is now the cops obviously
Just imagine if social media was around in the time of babe Ruth etc.
I take abuse seriously, and not everyone will agree with these comments, but really I feel if MLB is to get involved in abuse cases they should require a police report. It doesn’t matter if the charges get dropped or not, but if the police are involved in any way then that should require investigation.
They have to draw a line somewhere or you will hear more and more hearsay reports. .
I can understand that, but the policy was agreed to by the MLBPA (and is in effect for 2 more years, I believe). On investigations, the policy states:
“The Commissisoner’s Office will invesigate all allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse involving members of the baseball community. The Commissioner may place an accused player on paid administrative leave for up to seven days while allegations are investigated. Players may challenge any decision before the arbitration panel.”
So the fact that neither of the two most recent investigations included immediate administrative leave tells me that there is kind of different “levels” of investigations depending on how the allegations were made. The Olivera situation for example, because it did involve a police report, led to immediate suspension.
So basically if anybody goes on Instagram and says a baseball player hit someone MLB is going to announce an investigation and ruin their reputation regardless of facts. Domestic violence is terrible but there has to be a better way of getting to the bottom of the situation other than publicly shaming someone based on hearsay.
Aaron Judge has been abusing baseballs all season… who is going to investigate and put a stop to that?
Look, can we just pass a law already forcing people to contact the authorities if they suspect abuse is occurring or has occurred? And make it a fineable offense to post names on social media without having contacted the authorities and before charges have been filed.
Seriously, we get it. MLB and other leagues take domestic violence seriously. You can also take it seriously by actually refusing to investigate unless authorities are called. Itll stop people from false allegations as if you report fake abuse to authorities and stuff itll cost you
Sick and tired of these social media call outs already. And itll get worse.
Plenty of people above already have noted the unfairness of publicly announcing an investigation based on such flimsy evidence (if I post here that I saw a player at a club using drugs, or driving drunk, or any other crime, does that trigger the same announcement?), but what I would add is how unfair this is to the player (if innocent- if he is actually physically abusing his wife I have zero sympathy)- they have to balance cooperating with MLB to protect their career with the possibility that they may face criminal charges as well.
Even if someone is guilty of a crime, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. That is why evidence gets thrown out of court all the time. Abuse is obviously a horrible crime, but this “evidence” would not even justify a questioning by police, let alone an arrest.
Obviously Russell is innocent until proven guilty, but how sad if true.
They have two young kids together, and they looked like a happy young family.
No reason to point one way or the other yet. I am really glad that I don’t have social media though….
This would obviously explain the unbearable and uncharacteristic slump he’s in.
Not buying the abuse allegations, however. It’s just right from the woman’s playbook….. Say he abused you to get the kids.
The guy also has the personality and reputation of not hurting a fly.
Just in. MLB is not investigating the situation. They are “looking into it”. Per Bruce Levine
What’s the difference?
Probably nothing but that’s what is being said.
Really doubt he could even make contact.
None of us know didly squat, thats why there will be an investigation. The IG post is pretty inflammatory in nature, if found untrue she’s guilty of libel.
Immature way of calling out someone …. attention seeking much! Let me dress in a bikini, smile all happen and call out someone smh!
Innocent until proven guilty, but this is a horrible situation and I hope it’s not as bad as the accuser says it is, but I’m sure MLB will have the final say.
It must be noted that yet again, Russell is another drafted out of high school guy – like Norris, like Steve Clevenger….when is MLB going to own up to their own shortcomings in onboarding these teenagers into manhood? College coaches – and college in general – actively play a role in showing young people right from wrong in addition to their gameplay, but minor league coaches only know about baseball, not grooming young people. This is the root of this entire problem, and MLB doesn’t appear to even know it’s actually on them.
Sounds like a perfect job for their parents.
Then watch the WNBA DN!
Did you hear about the recruiting tactics of a University of Louisville basketball coach? What life lesson were those recruits being taught during their campus visit?
Clearly what Russell was missing by going from HS to MiLB was that he didn’t have the opportunity to learn about making wise, responsible choices at frat boy parties in college.
If only Luke Heimlich had gotten into College at age 14!
So Russell turns 18 and goes to work after high school, then at age 23 (allegedly) makes a bad decision… and it’s the minor league coaches’ fault for not mothering him well enough?
Funny JAF, innocent until proven guilty you say, but then you say Norris is guilty because he was drafted out of high school. Yep, you’re not jumping the gun on either of these cases are you?
The article, in referring only to players who were sanctioned under the policy, is a bit misleading. Some players have been investigated and received no sanctions, so it is entirely possible that the same will happen with the current investigations.
1 – MLB has to issue a statement. PR nightmare otherwise. Nize that shit and shut up, you obviously don’t understand “NEWS”
2 – “poor guy, his poor reputation”
GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE
That “innocent until proven guilty” attitude and victim blaming allowed Bill Cosby to rape 40 women! AND GET AWAY WITH IT! FOR YEARS!!
You’re encouraging a scenario that would allow ppl to easily cover this up.
The system is flawed but I would rather err on the side of caution considering the garbage celebrities/athletes have gotten away with up til now.
If you honestly think the investigation is based on an IG comment and nothing else you are misguided.
3 – RyTheStunner – dude. “Don’t call him a wife beater, he only fired 8 shots at no one”. Dude. Does “wife abuser” sound better to you?? Cuz firing a gun in an argument IS COMPLETELY INSANE
(That’s abuse btw)
How about YOU get the hell out of here.
First of all, no, the “innocent until proven guilty” mentality is NOT the attitude that allowed Bill Cosby to rape 40 women and get away with it. What allowed him to rape 40 women and get away with it is the “not reporting it until 30 years later” mentality. Is that the victim’s fault? No, some are afraid and scared and hopeless, but don’t act like he was accused back in the 70s and people just ignored it because he was “innocent until proven guilty”.
And no, going into your garage and firing a gun is NOT abuse when the “victim” is not present. Abuse, as defined by the dictionary, is “to treat (a person or an animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.” Firing your gun by yourself in an empty garage does not adhere to that definition.
You can’t equate the dictionary definition of a word with how it is applied to law.
From the DOJ website, the definition of domestic abuse:
“We define domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
Psychological Abuse: Elements of psychological abuse include – but are not limited to – causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends; destruction of pets and property; and forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work.”
So yes, Chapman firing his gun off in the garage is considered domestic abuse, as was found by results of the MLB investigation, and accepted by Chapman and the MLBPA. I don’t know why anybody would defend Chapman in this situation.
Except the MLB isn’t “law”. The MLB has their own Joint Domestic Violence Agreement that is completely independent of the law. That’s why players can be suspended absent of any formal charges.
You can’t tell me I can’t use the dictionary definition, but then tell me that I have to use the DOJ definition when the DOJ has nothing to do with this.
easy, 1 incident is not a “pattern” taken straight from your response
1 incident on Instagram doesn’t necessarily correlate with 1 actual incident
We’re not talking about Instagram here, we’re talking about Aroldis Chapman and the one incident that happened during an argument during which his girlfriend was no longer present when he fired a weapon into his garage.
Independent of the law, yes, but also borrows the legal terms ti implement its policy, which you clearly still have not read. But keep going on defending domestic violence. I honestly understand your argument about not wanting false allegations to hang a black flag over a player, but you have really gone off the deep end defending Aroldis Champan and his actions, while claiming what he did is OK.
I am ending our discussion here, as you clearly do not want to listen, learn, hear other’s opinions, or show any empathy towards the victims of domestic violence. Your mind is set, so any discussion to change it would be a waste of time
Funny how former A’s players are getting accused of domestic violence.
Well one thing for sure he certainly hasn’t been abusing any baseballs this season!!
I really hope this is untrue, because I really do like Addy. If this is true and he’s a POS who would do this, then I am done being a Russell fan.
Another day, another social media domestic violence accusation (Why Instagram?). Hopefully Manfred and MLB will sort all of this stuff out soon.
When did women stop going to police and start going to instagram?
Because Instagram is the only “real life” we have now.
Yeah, I really don’t get that at all. Why make it everyone’s business right off the bat?
Yeah, you kind of exhaust your ability to use the “women are sometimes afraid to go to the police” excuse by going ahead and posting it on Instagram.
I think it’s ridiculous to make claims on Instagram. If you think that someone is being violent and abusive, don’t go to Instagram, go to the police.
snowflakes act that way
I’m not comfortable with MLB’s pursuit of domestic abuse claims based off the Instagram post of a wife’s friend. MLB is falling in line with the exhausting measures of moral superiority.
Agree with the first part. But, “exhausting measures of moral superiority?” The hell? Kind of a neat trick, how certain people have embraced the ideas that “political CORRECTness,” “INTELLECTUAL elite,” and now “MORAL superiority” are pejorative. I’ve always felt it a positive to be Correct, Intellectual, and Moral. And achieving superiority (not inheriting it) was another credit.
But, yeah — insane that instagram is an outlet for accusations like this. This comes in an era and from a demographic for whom TMZ was always an ‘established news source,’ and a selfie is not a ridiculous, vain/narcissistic, silly practice.
If accusations like this can be made through social media, there ought to be some manner of recourse against the accuser if the charges are baseless. There have to be repercussions. And the balance is going to have to be found in regulating that versus protecting victims. I do not foresee partisan politics coming together on this issue.
Yeah, crucifying unproven accusers… That’ll encourage women to get help when they’re being abused. That’s what society needs – more ideas like that.
I stand by my comment on moral superiority. New age liberalism is founded on moral superiority, the idea that quickly taking offence to even moderate conflict makes you a better person (morally superior) than those slower to react. It’s a race to the high ground of moral superiority. Is MLB obligated to investigate claims made over Instagram, or are they conducting such an examination based on public relations strategies? I suggest the latter. The fact this matter stems from an Instagram post is absurd, creating an absurd rush to the moral high ground. Exhausting.
Maybe you shouldn’t stand by it.
Yes, the commissioner has the authority, granted to him by both the players and the owners, to investigate claims of domestic violence made against players. It does not in any way, shape or form obligate the commissioner to find that the players are worthy of sanctioning. Far from it.
Again, read the joint policy. It has nothing to do with the ideological points you are using to support your entire argument. In fact it is all about the business of baseball. What’s exhausting is arguing with people who haven’t read the actual policy.
I’m neither arguing with you nor discussing the policy. It’s my point of view on the matter. You tire easily.
The comment by the “friend” has been deleted
The entire post that started this whole situation has been deleted
must be drug use. there, had to put that out there. deserved to be, since the norris post
So here’s the interesting thing. This is a website that generally deals with baseball transactions, right? It’s probably not the first place people come for news unless they are baseball fans. And they post a story about this.
And 75% of the comments are vitriol against the alleged victim of abuse. Literally (i counted). 3/4 of the people on this website demeaned or victimized the alleged victim of this abuse. Or called her names or worse.
And then these same people wonder why she never “called the police” or whatever. She didn’t “call the police” because this is the way society treats victims of domestic violence. Ray Rice beat his wife to a pulp on camera and got, literally, no punishment.
It’s time to change the culture around this. Seriously and forever.
“vitriol against the alleged victim of abuse. Literally (i counted). 3/4 of the people on this website demeaned or victimized the alleged victim of this abuse. Or called her names or worse.”
The above portion of your comment can be pretty subjective. Simply not rushing to her side or calling into question any of the rare facts we know may land a poster in the 75% depending on the eyes/interpretation of the ‘statistician’.
Yes, there are some negative comments, but the vast majority in this thread are more neutral to the tune of ‘Let’s wait and see.’
That’s fair. Some of the commenters, like the Math teacher guy, posted numerous times with anti-victim stuff. So maybe it’s only like 50%. It’s still too much. If you saw a guy on the street who had been hit by a car would your first question be “were you jaywalking?” No, it would be to help.
I think that all of the people in the neutral designation mentioned above would definitely agree with you, myself included, with anyone in this thread that jumps to labeling Russell’s wife as a gold digger or anything of that. Any judgement for either side as of right now is just way to premature.
So much good baseball discussion here, guys. No awkward, divisive behavior here. Real good work.
Holy Hot Takes!
Welcome to an internet comment section, everyone.
My aunt was engaged to be married to a “man” who abused her, physically, verbally, and sexually. And I myself saw everything but the sexual abuse. How many times was she able to call the cops? None.
Now. The man deserves the right to be able to defend himself; I fully admit that. But the fact is, if the allegations are true and even if he was caught on tape, there are quite few people here, looking through the comments, who would be willing to defend it. Simply because he can hit a ball with a stick, catch it, throw it, and run around the bases. I am tremendous baseball fan, but at the end of the day, it is entertainment and a game. So we’ll wait for the facts to come out, but the trend of instantly attacking the credibility of an alleged victim is something I expect from scummy defense attorneys, not baseball fans.
The accused’s profession has absolutely no weight one way or another. His profession is independent of the alleged abuse. Were he unemployed, the same approach would be applied: no judgement, condemnation, or punishment should occur until factual evidence is provided.
His profession is not entirely independent of the allegations, because his union agreed with his employers that these allegations should be investigated internally.
I am not disputing that. As opinionated as I am with whether or not MLB should be involved, I acknowledge that they are in fact involved. I was refuting the notion that people are jumping to defend Russell and/or condemn his wife based on the fact that he is a baseball player.
My point? Nobody would give a crap about a 23 year old kid accused of beating up his wife unless he could he do those things, like hit a ball, run the bases, etc.
I don’t know what comments you are reading, but I am seeing plenty of prejudgment here.
Celtic, that is an accusation and an assumption. Not a single person in this comments section has said anything along the lines of ‘He is a baseball player, therefore I will automatically side with him.’
That depends on how you read the comments that suggest (no, actually say) that men who find themselves accused of domestic violence are being victimized by women. It also depends on how you read the comments that suggest (no, actually say) that the commissioner should not be involved with investigating any domestic violence claim that does not already involve a police report. You can try to ignore the fact that we are having this discussion only because the players and owners jointly developed this policy for the reason they both thought it was important to the integrity of the game. But since they did do it for that reason, I don’t see how that works. So maybe nobody walked right over that line, but plenty are sure dancing all over it.
A witch hunt Yes him and wife having issue but ain’t no one hit no one but they now need to stay away from each other