Red Sox starter Wright suspended 15 games for violating domestic violence policy
Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright has been issued a 15-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
Wright, who will not appeal the decision, was arrested Dec. 8th on a domestic assault charge following an incident with his wife at his Tennessee home. A statement made through Wright's lawyer stated the two were involved in a verbal argument but that Wright never raised a hand at anyone during the incident.
"I deeply regret my actions that night," Wright said in a statement Friday, per The Wall Street Journal's Jared Diamond. "I fully cooperated with MLB's investigators and re-iterated to them that I did not make physical contact with my wife. The legal case that was retired supports that claim.
"But I accept full responsibility for what happened and have taken steps, including counselling sessions, to help me become a better husband. I apologize to the Red Sox organization, its fans, my teammates and my family."
The case was retired by Williamson County Courthouse on Dec. 21 and charges will be dismissed if there are no further incidents in the following year.
"While it's clear that Mr. Wright regrets what transpired that evening, takes full responsibility for his actions, and has committed himself to the treatment and counselling components of the Policy, I have concluded that Mr. Wright's conduct December 8th violated the Policy and warrants discipline," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, per The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.
Wright is currently working his way back into the Red Sox rotation following knee surgery. He has yet to appear in a spring training contest but did pitch in a minor-league game Thursday.
The 33-year-old can only begin serving the suspension when he is healthy, as days spent on the disabled list are ineligible. He will not count against the Red Sox 25-man roster while serving his suspension.
In addition to the suspension, Wright will speak to other players about what he learned through the process and will donate money to organizations involved in the prevention and treatment of victims of domestic violence.
"We fully support MLB's Domestic Violence Policy, the discipline set forth by the Commissioner's office, and Steven's acceptance of the ruling," the Red Sox said in a statement. "While we are disappointed this incident occurred, we are encouraged that Steven is taking meaningful steps to learn from this unfortunate incident."