Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Detained In Dominican Republic
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been detained in the Dominican Republic after being interviewed by prosecutors about complaints of inappropriate relationships with young girls, according to a report by The Athletic. The 22-year-old baseball player is currently being held ahead of a court appearance this week, as reported by The Associated Press and ESPN.
No criminal charges against Franco have been announced at this time. He is expected to appear in front of a judge on Wednesday for arraignment, according to baseball journalist Héctor Gómez, who also posted a photograph of Franco with his lawyers.
Both MLB and the Tampa Bay Rays have declined to comment on the situation.
Franco is facing at least two complaints accusing him of inappropriate relationships with minors, with additional allegations still under investigation. The third girl involved in the investigation has not spoken to authorities in the Dominican Republic, where Franco is from.
Despite denying the initial allegation in an Instagram video, Franco has been on administrative leave since August 22, after initially being placed on the restricted list following the emergence of the allegations over the summer. He last played on August 12 and was given a regular off day the following day.
It is worth noting that Franco is currently in the midst of an 11-year, $182 million guaranteed contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, marking the largest contract in the organization’s history.
The situation is still developing, with the eyes of baseball fans and authorities alike focused on the outcome of Franco’s impending court appearance.