Cubs’ Russell on admin leave
New allegations surface regarding domestic violence against ex-wife
CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell was placed on administrative leave Friday following fresh allegations of domestic violence from his ex-wife.
Last year, Melisa Reidy posted a photo on her Instagram account with a caption suggesting her husband of about 18 months had been unfaithful to her. In another post, a user — described by Melisa as a close friend — made the accusation that Russell had “hit” his wife. The post was later deleted. Russell denied the allegation and the two divorced.
Late Thursday, a blog post attributed to Reidy contained more detailed allegations, including years of physical and emotional abuse. Less than 12 hours later, Major League Baseball announced Russell’s leave in accordance with the MLB-MLB Players Association domestic violence policy. The Cubs said the leave is for seven days, but could be extended.
“When the allegations against Addison Russell became public on June 7, 2017, the Commissioner’s Office’s Department of Investigations immediately commenced an investigation,” the league said. “Melisa Russell declined to participate in the inves-
tigation at that time. Our investigation of this matter has remained open and we have continued our efforts to gather information. … We are hopeful that this new information will allow us to complete the investigation as promptly as possible.”
Last year, Reidy’s attorney, Thomas Field, said she had decided not to talk with MLB because it was not in the best interest of her family. Field did not return messages Friday and no listed number for Reidy, who is believed to live in Pensacola, Fla., could be located.
Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the department has not launched a criminal investigation “at this point” but detectives will look at the allegations “further and have already reached out to the Cubs.”
The Cubs hold a slim lead atop the National League Central and the leave was announced just a few hours before a game against the crosstown rival White Sox.
While refusing to speculate on specifics or Russell’s future with the team, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and owner Tom Ricketts said the team will cooperate with the investigation but are prohibited from taking their own steps under MLB’s domestic abuse policy.
Epstein said the infielder stood by his claim that he had not physically abused Reidy.
Epstein and Ricketts said they agreed with MLB’s decision to place the 24-year-old infielder on leave and informed of the move Friday morning.
Manager Joe Maddon said he was surprised by the new accusations: “I have not yet spoken to Addy about it. From our perspective, it seemed like it was done, but apparently it’s not.”