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If your first instinct whenever a person shares their experience of being abused is to immediately question their motive, call them names or completely deny that it can be true then you’re a part of the problem.
And some still wonder why women, who have been physically, emotionally or verbally abused won’t come forward because the moment they do the reaction isn’t to listen, to empathize, it’s to belittle the person, name call, and shame that person.
So, for all you who can’t wait to come to the defense of Addison Russell, because according to you, of course his ex-wife is lying, just wants attention and wants to ruin his career, I mean this in the most polite and respectful way possible, fuck you.
Russell was placed on administrative leave before Friday’s game. That lasts seven days, as MLB continues to investigate and can be extended to a longer period of time.
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Theo Epstein and Tom Ricketts met the media and discussed the process, which they both think is fair.
Epstein was asked about Russell’s character and answered by saying he only knows Russell as a baseball player. Epstein would not speculate on Russell’s future with the team.
MLB first opened an investigation last June, when a friend of Russell’s ex-wife alleged he physically abused Melisa. The situation has now changed, as Melisa has directly written about Russell’s abuse toward her during their marriage, which ended in a divorce last year.
MLB's statement on Addison Russell being placed on administrative leave: pic.twitter.com/CHKcZbGXM7
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 21, 2018
During the media session, Epstein also said that while talking to Russell Friday morning, the shortstop once again denied the allegations.
The Cubs will continue to cooperate with MLB during the ongoing investigation.
The league has placed Addison Russell on administrative leave, and the Cubs released this statement: pic.twitter.com/1WoWDsLA3D
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 21, 2018
While the Cubs themselves can’t punish Russell at this time during the investigation, they could release him if they wanted to.
Theo stressed this is out of the team’s hands right now. They can’t punish or absolve. It’s up to the league. Of course they can take any baseball course they want. Release, etc, but in terms of the investigation/punishment, that’s the league.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 21, 2018
Finally, here’s the most important message from Melisa’s post, which you can read in it’s entirety here.
Outside looking in, others may and probably will have a lot of negative things to say for sharing my story but after what I’ve experienced, I’m not easily intimidated anymore. I’m giving myself a voice. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, you should not be afraid or ashamed to speak out about any type of abuse regardless who it will offend. You should be able to stand up for yourself & you should NEVER allow anyone to make you feel like you are wrong for doing so. It is not okay for anyone, whoever they may be or whatever title they may have in society to hurt anyone, in any shape or form. I hope my story empowers and inspires other women to stand up for themselves who are going through any type of domestic abuse.
