White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger will not be disciplined by MLB following investigation
Major League Baseball will not discipline Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger, the league announced Sunday, after an investigation that began in 2022 could not determine that the pitcher violated its joint policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
Clevinger, 32, was accused by a former partner of physical abuse and that he threw a wad of used chewing tobacco at their child. MLB began its investigation last fall and the White Sox were not aware of the allegations when they signed Clevinger to a one-year, $12 million deal on Nov. 27.
Clevinger, MLB said in a statement, "has voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the collectively bargained policies, and to comply with any of the boards’ recommendations. MLB will continue to make support services available to Mr. Clevinger, his family, and other individuals involved in the investigation."
NIGHTENGALE'S NOTEBOOK: MLB's drastic rule changes 'going great' – but could use tweaks
NEWSLETTER: Sign up to get the latest sports news and stories sent to your inbox
MLB's domestic-violence policy does not require criminal charges or convictions in order to impose discipline. Former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer received a record 324-game suspension, later upheld to 194 games by a mutually-appointed arbitrator, after charges were not pursued by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office following an eight-month investigation in 2021-22.
Clevinger has not faced criminal charges regarding current allegations.
"The comprehensive investigation," MLB said, "included interviews of more than 15 individuals, in addition to Mr. Clevinger and the complainant, as well as a review of available documents, such as thousands of electronic communication records. The Office of the Commissioner has closed this investigation and, barring the receipt of any new information or evidence, the Office of the Commissioner will not be imposing discipline on Mr. Clevinger in connection with these allegations."
Said Clevinger in a statement released by the MLB Players' Association: "I am pleased that Major League Baseball has concluded its investigation. I had nothing to hide and cooperated fully with MLB. The situation has been stressful for me and my family, and I thank them for their strength and support. I asked everyone not to rush to judgment until MLB's investigation was concluded, and I appreciate everyone who had faith in me, including the White Sox organization and my teammates. I am looking forward to the 2023 season and helping the White Sox win a championship this year."
Olivia Finestead, Clevinger's former partner and mother of their child, said MLB cited insufficient evidence in opting not to suspend Clevinger. Finestead told USA TODAY Sports she hopes Clevinger's MLB-mandated evaluations prove helpful after he rebuffed her attempts to attend therapy.
Clevinger won 38 games for Cleveland between 2017-2019, but fell out of favor after he and teammate Zach Plesac broke a team curfew at a Chicago hotel during the height of the 2020 season greatly limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was traded to San Diego after during that year and underwent Tommy John surgery, missing the 2021 season. Clevinger returned in 2022 and posted a 4.33 ERA in 22 starts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White Sox's Mike Clevinger won't be suspended after MLB investigation
