MLB suspends Addison Russell 40 games for violating the Domestic Violence Policy

Russell has been on administrative leave since September 21st.

Cubs’ infielder Addison Russell has been suspended 40 games without pay for violating the league’s Domestic Violence Policy, MLB announced on Wednesday. The news comes almost two weeks after he was initially placed on administrative leave, and a day after the Cubs were eliminated from the postseason.

In a statement, Commissioner Rob Manfred said:

“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. 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.”

The suspension is retroactive to his original time of administrative leave, which began on September 21st. Russell will also participate in a “confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program” as part of his suspension.

Last year, MLB opened an investigation against Russell for domestic abuse after a friend of his then-wife Melisa Russell alleged he was abusing her in an Instagram comment. At the time he was not placed on leave and the investigation remained open.

In September, the investigation was reignited when his ex-wife Melisa published a blog post that detailed years of emotional and physical abuse by Russell, and her efforts to leave the marriage with their son. The investigation was revisited, and this is the final result. The Cubs control Russell’s contract through 2021.