Tampa Bay Rays participant Wander Franco is below investigation by the MLB after allegedly being in a relationship with a minor.
On Sunday, August 13, rumors swirled by way of social media that Franco, 22, was allegedly concerned with an underage lady. That very same day, Franco didn’t play within the scheduled sport in opposition to the Cleveland Guardians regardless of a deliberate Franco-themed hat giveaway for youngsters in attendance.
The Rays introduced hours later that they had been conscious of the allegations and had been investigating the scenario with MLB. Franco, for his half, has denied the claims made in opposition to him.
Previous to the scandal, Franco was named an all-star for the primary time throughout the 2023 season. He has additionally carried out effectively along with his group, serving to the Rays keep on the prime of their division. In 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million contract.
Scroll down for extra particulars in regards to the current allegations made in opposition to Franco:
What Is Wander Franco Being Accused of?
Franco is being accused of allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Images of him kissing a younger girl on the cheek circulated on-line on August 13. Together with the images, unverified claims surfaced that the lady was 14 years previous. No extra particulars in regards to the pair have been confirmed.
What Occurred After the Social Media Posts Went Viral?
Franco didn’t play within the Rays’ sport in opposition to the Guardians on August 13. Nonetheless, supervisor Kevin Money instructed the press after the sport that it was a scheduled “time without work” for Franco and was conscious of the “hypothesis” however didn’t have any touch upon the matter.
Following the sport, the Rays left to journey to San Francisco to play a sequence in opposition to the Giants. ESPN reported that Franco didn’t journey with the group.
What Have the Tampa Bay Rays Stated Concerning the Accusations?
Nonetheless, the Rays launched a press release hours after Money’s press convention.
“Throughout right now’s sport, we had been made conscious of the social media posts which are circulating relating to Wander Franco,” the Rays stated in a press release. “We take the scenario significantly and are in shut contact with Main League Baseball because it conducts its due diligence.”
What Has Wander Franco Stated Concerning the Allegations?
Franco has denied the claims and spoke out in regards to the hypothesis throughout an Instagram Dwell on August 13.
“They are saying that I’m in public with a bit of lady, that I’m operating round with a minor. Individuals don’t know what to do with their time,” Franco stated in Spanish. “They don’t know what they’re speaking about. That’s why I want to be on my facet and never become involved with anyone.”
Will Wander Franco Play Through the MLB Investigation?
On Monday, August 14, the Rays positioned Franco on the restricted record — which takes Franco off the energetic group roster. “The Tampa Bay Rays and Wander Franco have mutually agreed that he’ll go on the Restricted Listing and take go away from the Membership at some stage in the present street journey,” the Rays stated in a statement on the time.
