Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended two years (324 games) without pay by MLB comissioner Rob Manfred at the conclusion of the league’s investigation into the 31-year-old for alleged sexual assault.
Although the L.A. Country District Attorney’s Office decided not to file criminal charges against Bauer after the Pasadena Police Department submitted their report, he faced potential punishment under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
Bauer’s suspension — pending appeal — will span all of 2022 and 2023, and stretch into the 2024 season as well. In addition to the suspension, he missed 81 games last season while on leave, then 12 more in the playoffs and the initial 18 games of 2022.
“Today we were informed that MLB has concluded its investigation into allegations that have been made against Trevor Bauer, and the Commissioner has issued his decision regarding discipline,” the Dodgers said in a statement after the announcement of the suspension.
“The Dodgers organization takes all allegations of this nature very seriously and does not condone or excuse any acts of domestic violence or sexual assault. We’ve cooperated fully with MLB’s investigation since it began, and we fully support MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, and the Commissioner’s enforcement of the Policy.
“We understand that Trevor has the right to appeal the Commissioner’s decision. Therefore, we will not comment further until the process is complete.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts declined to answer when asked if he was surprised by the length of the suspension and instead deferred to the team statement that expressed support of MLB’s ruling.
“Until everything is finalized, which I don’t think it is, right now I Just don’t want to comment,” Roberts added. “I don’t think it’s smart for me to make any comment. All I know is our guys have done a great job of focusing on the job at hand and guys in the room.
“That’s where our head is at.”
MLB began their investigation last season when a San Diego woman brought forth sexual assault charges. Bauer was placed on paid administrative leave, which was periodically extended through the conclusion of the 2021 World Series.
Bauer then was put back on the restricted list prior to Spring Training beginning last month. His latest stay on administrative leave was due to expire Friday.
Bauer appealing MLB suspension
After MLB announced their ruling, Bauer went to Twitter to deny violating the league’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy, adding that he was appeal the suspension.
Bauer previously filed a defamation lawsuit against his accuser. The defamation suit is the third Bauer has filed in the past two months, previously doing so against Deadspin and The Athletic for their coverage on the allegations brought forth.
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