CHICAGO -- Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has accepted a 40-game suspension without pay for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
The suspension, which is retroactive to Sept. 21, was announced by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Wednesday. Russell missed the Cubs' final 11 regular-season games as well as Tuesday's 2-1, 13-inning loss to the Rockies in the National League Wild Card Game while he was on administrative leave as a result of the investigation.
Russell has agreed not to appeal the discipline. Consistent with the terms of the policy, Russell will participate in a confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program supervised by the Joint Policy Board.
"My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Addison Russell violated Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy," Manfred said in a statement. "Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Russell violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will cover 40 games."
On Sept. 21, MLB placed Russell on administrative leave after allegations of domestic violence resurfaced in a blog post by his former wife.
MLB began its investigation into domestic violence allegations against Russell in June 2017, but his ex-wife chose not to discuss the allegations at that time.
In September, Melisa Reidy-Russell posted on her WordPress blog details of emotional, verbal and physical abuse by her ex-husband.
Carrie Muskat/MLB.com
 

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