NEW YORK-. The administrative license of Dominican Wander Franco was extended until July 14 by the Big leagues and the players union.
Tampa Bay’s All-Star shortstop has not played since Aug. 12 as MLB continues its investigation into an alleged relationship with a minor.
The administrative leave is non-disciplinary under the sport’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy, and a player continues to receive pay. Franco, who has a salary of $2 million this year, has remained in his native Dominican Republic while authorities investigate.
Franco was placed on the restricted list for a week on August 14, while MLB launched an investigation following social media posts suggesting Franco was in a relationship with a minor. The Associated Press has not been able to verify the reported posts.
Franco was placed on administrative leave on August 22 and remained there until the end of the season. There is no license during the low season. He resumed his vacation on Inauguration Day as part of an agreement through June 1.
MLB will likely wait until the Dominican investigation concludes before deciding whether there will be any disciplinary action.
Originally charged with commercial and sexual exploitation and money laundering (charges that carry up to 30 years, 10 years and 20 years in prison, respectively), Franco is instead charged with sexual and psychological abuse, according to the ruling of a judge who obtained the AP in January.
Franco had not been formally charged, but if convicted of the new charge, he could face between two and five years in prison.
Franco, who turned 23 on March 1, was in the middle of his third major league season when his career came to a halt and was hitting .281 with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts in 112 games.
Franco agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.
Source: AP
