Russell accepts 40game suspension

CHICAGO» Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell accepted a 40game suspension Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his exwife.

Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the ban and said MLB had completed its investigation into the accusations made by Melisa Reidy. Russell had denied the allegations, which Reidy detailed in a blog post in September.

Russell’s unpaid suspension includes the 11 regularseason games he missed after being placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Russell will be eligible to return on May 3 against St. Louis, barring any postponements, and he will not appeal the suspension. He will also participate in an evaluation and treatment program.

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he’s not sure what the odds are of Russell playing another game for the Cubs.

“Domestic violence is everyone’s problem,” he said. “Because of that, we all have an obligation to be part of the solution as well. The discipline in a case like this is part of the solution going forward and so we support Major League Baseball’s decision and we think it’s appropriate. But prevention is also a big part of the solution and maybe a more important solution.”

The Cubs’ season ended Tuesday with a 21, 13inning defeat to the Rockies in the NL wildcard game. Russell was not active for the game.

MLB has said it began an investigation last year after allegations against Russell first became public.

Reidy posted a photo on her Instagram account last year with a caption suggesting her husband of about 18 months had been unfaithful to her. In another post, a user described by Reidy as a close friend claimed Russell had “hit” his wife. The post was later deleted. Reidy declined to talk to MLB at the time because she decided it was not in her family’s best interests, her attorney, Thomas Field, said last year.

Reidy then published a blog post in September describing more detailed allegations, including years of physical and emotional abuse. Less than 12 hours later, MLB announced Russell had been put on leave under MLB’s domestic violence policy.

Russell hit .250 with five homers and 38 RBIs in 130 games this season.