07 January 2023 , 15:01
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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has now been released by the team after an investigation into allegations of sexual and physical assault.
Bauer, 31, has continued to deny any wrongdoing and has stated that he is 'disappointed' with the team's decision to release him after he was initially handed a suspension of 324 games - the longest ever in MLB history - in April of last year.
Bauer signed with the Dodgers in 2021 after leaving the Cincinnati Reds, but has not played in 18 months with his last game coming in June 2021 after a woman filed a request for a domestic violence restraining order against him and alleged he had assaulted her.
However, the woman's request for a permanent restraining order was dismissed by a judge back in August 2021 and the L.A. District Attorney's Office confirmed in February 2022 Bauer would not face any criminal charges.
The former Cy Young winner did have his ban cut down to 194 games by an independent arbitrator within the last few weeks, which would have meant that he would have been able to suit up to play for the Dodgers at the beginning of the upcoming season.
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However, the team has now chosen to part ways with Bauer. A statement from the side read: "The Dodgers organization believes that allegations of sexual assault or domestic violence should be thoroughly investigated, with due process given to the accused," the statement read.
"From the beginning, we have fully cooperated with Major League Baseball's investigation and strictly followed the process stipulated under MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
"Two extensive reviews of all the available evidence in this case - one by Commissioner Manfred and another by a neutral arbitrator - concluded that Mr. Bauer's actions warranted the longest ever active player suspension in our sport for violations of this policy.
"Now that this process has been completed, and after careful consideration, we have decided that he will no longer be part of our organization."
After being told of the news, the 31-year-old pitcher released a statement himself in which he claimed the Dodgers told him they wanted him back.
Trevor Bauer admitted he was 'disappointed' with the decision (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)Bauer did thank the Dodgers for the support that he had received though, and sent good wishes to his former team.
He said: "While we were unable to communicate throughout the administrative leave and arbitration process, my representatives spoke to Dodgers leadership immediately following the arbitration decision.
"Following two weeks of conversations around my return to the organization, I sat down with Dodgers leadership in Arizona yesterday who told me that they wanted me to return and pitch for the team this year.
"While I am disappointed by the organization's decision today, I appreciate the wealth of support I've received from the Dodgers clubhouse. I wish the players all the best and look forward to competing elsewhere."
Two other women made similar allegations against the pitcher, bit again he has strenuously denied them.
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