MLB suspends Steven Wright 15 games for violating domestic violence policy
Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright has been suspended 15 games for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. In separate statements on Friday, the league confirmed the ban and Wright announced he would not appeal.
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The 33-year-old right-hander was arrested at his Tennessee home in December following an incident involving his wife, Shannon. Wright was charged with domestic assault and preventing a 911 call, both misdemeanors in Tennessee. He was released on a $2,500 bond.
Four days after the incident, the couple released a joint statement saying that the situation was verbal and not physical.
“On Friday night, Steven was arrested at our home following a verbal argument, and the police charged him with domestic assault. Although he said things he deeply regrets, he did not raise his hands at anyone during the incident, and the situation was purely emotional. We are working together as a family to make our relationships strong, and we ask that you respect our privacy.”
On Dec. 21, the case was retired by the Williamson County courthouse in Tennessee for one year, which the couple believed would be the first step in the case being dismissed.
Per MLB’s domestic violence policy, the league launched its own investigation and arrived at the 15-game ban. Here’s MLB statement on the decision.
Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced today that Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright has accepted a 15-game suspension without pay for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Wright will begin serving his 15-game suspension whenever he is placed on the Red Sox’ Active List. Wright has agreed not to appeal this discipline. Wright is eligible to continue to participate in all Spring Training activities prior to Opening Day.
Commissioner Manfred issued the following statement regarding the discipline:
“My office has completed its investigation into the events leading up to Steven Wright’s arrest on the evening of December 8, 2017. Mr. Wright cooperated with the investigation. While it is clear that Mr. Wright regrets what transpired that evening, takes full responsibility for his actions, and has committed himself to the treatment and counseling components of the Policy, I have concluded that Mr. Wright’s conduct on December 8th violated the Policy and warrants discipline.
Wright’s suspension matches the lowest handed out in a domestic violence case since the league implemented its policy in August of 2015. Hector Olivera received the longest ban at 82 games.
In his own statement, Steven Wright took responsibility for his actions and accepted the league’s punishment.
Today I accepted a 15-game suspension from Major League Baseball and agreed not to appeal in an effort to move forward and focus on my family and returning from injury.
I deeply regret my actions that night. 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 counseling sessions, to help me become a better husband.
I apologize to the Red Sox organization, its fans, my teammates and my family. Shannon and I are grateful for your support.
Wright had season-ending knee surgery last May and is still working his way back into from. His status for opening day has been up in the air, but his suspension would not begin if he starts the season on the disabled list.
Wright was an All-Star in 2016, posting a 3.33 ERA across 156.2 innings. He appeared in just five games for Boston last season, allowing 24 runs in 24 innings.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Yahoo Sports Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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