Theo Epstein said the team’s first instincts after domestic violence allegations were made public back in September 2018, were to separate themselves and move on from Addison Russell. That hasn’t happened and while many Cubs fans disagree with the team sticking with Russell for now, Epstein discussed in further detail why they are giving the alleged domestic violence abuser a conditional second chance.
MLB suspended Russell 40 games following the league’s investigation into domestic violence allegations made by his ex-wife Melisa Reidy. She was interviewed as were other witnesses before the suspension was made official in October. Since then, the Cubs opted to keep Russell, deciding not to non-tender him in November and earlier in January they avoided arbitration, agreeing to a $3.4 million salary for 2019, including roster bonuses worth $600,000 for Russell.
Here’s why the Cubs ultimately changed their mind and chose to give Russell what they’re calling a conditional second chance.
This was from Epstein’s interview on Friday, when he joined the Waddle And Silvy Show on ESPN 1000.
Paraphrasing Epstein’s comments from The Athletic.
“First of all, this happened on our watch,” Epstein said. “Addison’s been in the organization since he was 20 years old. We were certainly quick to celebrate his triumphs, and separating ourselves from him as quickly as possible at his lowest point is maybe not a comprehensive solution to the issue.
“Two, we realized that Addison needed a lot of help — an awful lot of help — to get his life on track, to bring stability to his life and to his relationships, to grow as a person and put himself in a position where this pattern would not repeat itself moving forward.
“Third of all, in talking to many domestic violence experts, personally and as an organization, we learned — and this was new to me — that domestic violence experts do not believe in zero tolerance. They do not believe in moving on or termination after the first domestic violence incident. What they do believe in is a second chance conditionally. A second chance if the offender is willing (to) do the difficult work of stabilizing his life and relationships and growing so this doesn’t happen again.
“Fourth, I was engaged with Melisa Russell, the victim, who deserves our support every bit as much — if not more — than Addison given the circumstances. And she was supportive of our decision, as long as it was truly a conditional second chance. She felt like this was Addison’s best chance to get his life in order and get support from us with the incentive of earning his way back to the Cubs.
“And last, we saw it as an opportunity to try to improve the organization when it comes to domestic violence. This happened here. We are taking steps. Domestic violence experts say, ‘You can never say it’ll never happen again. It can never happen here.’ But we can do everything we can to try to make this the safest possible workplace, the healthiest possible workplace, so that it has as little chance as possible of ever happening again here. And that includes expert training for those who face the players, for those who run the family program.”
Russell will be at spring training down in Arizona starting next month. He’ll face the media for the first time since he was placed on the restricted list at the end of 2018 season and he’ll be asked questions for the first time about the allegations.
His teammates have been asked about Russell and it’s clear they’re tired of trying to answer for him.
Kris Bryant admits it has been difficult to answer for #Cubs teammate Addison Russell after Russell's personal wrongdoing. Bryant believes Russell needs to address the topic soon. "The only person that should answer those questions is him," Bryant says.https://t.co/bgNUth5Mlz pic.twitter.com/A79YfyxYde
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) January 19, 2019
Russell is supposedly receiving more counseling in addition to the mandated therapy he must go to in his agreement to serve the 40-game suspension.
“We’re probably like in the top of the second inning with this story,” Epstein said. “He’s got a ton of work ahead of him, and it may not work. And if it doesn’t, we will move on instantaneously.”
Whether you agree with the decision or not, the Cubs are supporting Russell for now.