Report: Cubs doing 'due diligence' after more accusations surface against Russell
The mother of one of Addison Russell's children has come forward against the suspended Chicago Cubs shortstop, claiming he paid child support using quarters and dollar bills three years ago and accusing him of directing the Cubs to block her on social media.
Screenshots from @MalEngstrom’s Instagram page detailing interactions with #AddisonRussell in regards to their daughter. She says she was paid about $600 of child support in quarters and Russell’s advisors “feel they can disobey a court ordered agreement.” .#Cubs pic.twitter.com/vYjWnPJYRo
— Ally Pruitt (@AllyPruitt1) December 18, 2018
"About (three) years ago from today I was paid a portion of my child support in quarters and single dollar bills," Mallory Engstrom wrote Tuesday on Instagram. "About $600 total that I had to pack up and fly back home with. I remember being so confused about how a family whom I genuinely cared about, could 'love' (daughter) Mila and I so much, could sit back (and) stay silent. An event I forgave them for but have never forgot."
On Wednesday afternoon, Melisa Reidy, Russell's ex-wife, revealed to Expanded Roster's Kelly Wallace the full extent of abuse she said was suffered at Russell's hand in a detailed and graphic account of her marriage.
Reidy's blog post in September led to Major League Baseball handing Russell a 40-game suspension for violating the league's joint domestic violence policy. Reidy also spoke with MLB during its investigation.
The Cubs are aware of the claims and are doing their "due diligence," a source told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic on Wednesday. The club tendered Russell a contract last month despite the suspension and is yet to officially comment on the newest developments.
Russell issued an apology in a statement made through the Cubs after they tendered him his 2019 contract. On Wednesday, Russell posted a picture to his Instagram showing him with two of his three children.