On Aug. 13, reports involving Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco and a purported relationship with a 14-year-old girl went viral.
Within hours, the Rays had announced that Franco was off the roster. Additionally, a promotional giveaway event sponsored by Franco was canceled.
According to reports, Loredana Chevalier of the Dominican Republic came forward with her mother to accuse Wander Franco. The same reports indicate that the failure of Franco to pay hush money about the alleged affair spurred action by the Chevalier family.
While the Tampa Bay Rays, among others, were quick to respond to the issue at hand, Franco immediately upheld his innocence. Franco, a native of the central Dominican city of Bani, took to Instagram to share his thoughts with fans.
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"They say that I’m public with a little girl, that I’m running around with a minor. People don’t know what to do with their time. They don’t know what they’re talking about. That’s why I prefer to be on my side & not get involved with anybody.”
In a video replete with background noise, Franco addressed the controversy in Spanish. According to the shortstop, "people don't know what they're talking about." Franco seemed unfazed. At this point, there are more questions than answers.
Several online observers believe Loredana Chevalier is not 14. Several photos from her personal account show her drinking, driving, and playing with a child she claims to be hers.
"The Rays and Wander Franco have "mutually agreed that he will go on the Restricted List and take leave from the Club for the duration of the current road trip" - Talkin Baseball
Although Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the controversy, he was adamant that the current circumstances have nothing to do with Franco's removal from the lineup. Franco was apparently not traveling with the team for their trip to play the San Francisco Giants. Venezuelan infielder Osleivis Basabe will be making his MLB debut in Franco's place.
Wander Franco controversy is the last thing MLB needs in 2023
From drunken New York Yankees pitchers to several high-profile suspensions, a scandal involving a minor is the last thing that MLB wants on its hands now. If it is not already blatantly obvious, this story has a lot of loose ends. Before we can get a better view of the facts at hand, it will not be possible to determine Franco's innocence, or what steps need to be taken.
