Wander Franco is one of the least popular players in baseball right now amid mounting legal troubles. According to RCNoticias by Roberto Cavada, the troubled Tampa Bay Rays shortstop has refused to pay one of his lawyers for the work they have already completed in his investigation.
Owing to the dispute, Franco's bank accounts have been reportedly frozen by Dominican Republic authorities.
"Bank account of baseball player #𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐨 is seized. According to @rcavada, he has not only breached a contract with one of his lawyers, but he also refuses to pay his fees after the work he has done. #𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐬 #𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚 - @mikedeportes
There is no specific amount that Wander Franco is said to owe his legal staff, however, it is alleged that he has yet to pay the team helping him.
Franco is under investigation by authorities over an alleged relationship with an underage girl. After the claims surfaced on social media last year, Franco was immediately placed on the restricted list by the Tampa Bay Rays. Since that time, the talented but troubled shortstop has not appeared in any major league action. While the case is ongoing, if Franco is convicted of the charges against him, his career very well could be over.
Wander Franco is required to appear before a judge in the Dominican Republic each month
In early January, a judge in the Dominican Republic said that Franco would be able to leave his home country, however, he is required to appear in court once a month as the case progresses.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of the trial will be, however, some legal experts have advised against the Rays shortstop attempting to return to the United States.