ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave ahead of the home opener Thursday at Tropicana Field.
According to the Associated Press, Franco will be on administrative leave until June 1 as the sexual abuse probe continues.
A player placed on administrative leave is paid in compliance with the combined policies of the sport pertaining to child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic abuse.
Related: Judge Expected To Issue Ruling Friday In Case Involving Tampa Bay Rays’ Wander Franco
In January, a judge in the Dominican Republic ordered the conditional release of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco while he is investigated for allegations that he had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
Allegedly, Franco gave the child’s mother a car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent.
Franco is free to leave the Dominican Republic but must return once a month to meet with authorities.
He was also ordered to pay a deposit of 2 million Dominican pesos ($34,000) while the investigation is ongoing.
As the Tampa Free Press previously reported, the 22-year-old Franco, who was arrested after failing to appear for a meeting with a prosecutor, last played for the Rays on August 12 against visiting Cleveland.
He left the dugout during the next day’s game, which he was not in the lineup when the allegations surfaced.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.