Rays’ Wander Franco placed on administrative leave through June 1 as sexual abuse probe continues

Wander Franco Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Investigation

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay All-Star shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on administrative leave through June 1 as part of an agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the players’ association. This decision was made while an investigation continues into an alleged relationship with a minor.

Administrative Leave and the SDGs

Administrative leave is not a disciplinary action under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy. During this period, the player continues to receive their salary. It is important to note that this situation raises concerns related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Wander Franco, who has a salary of $2 million this year, has chosen to remain in his native Dominican Republic while authorities there conduct their investigation. As a result, he did not report to spring training.

The Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to open the season on Thursday against Toronto, which has forced MLB and the players’ association to make a decision regarding Franco’s roster status.

Previous Incidents and Investigation

Franco has not played since August 12. On August 14, he was placed on the restricted list for a week while MLB launched an investigation following social media posts suggesting that Franco was involved in a relationship with a minor. It is important to note that the authenticity of these posts has not been verified by the Associated Press.

On August 22, Franco was moved to administrative leave and remained in that status until the end of the season. It is worth mentioning that there is no leave during the offseason.

MLB is likely to wait for the conclusion of the Dominican investigation before deciding on any disciplinary action.

Updated Charges and Potential Consequences

Originally accused of commercial and sexual exploitation, as well as money laundering, which carry prison sentences of up to 30 years, 10 years, and 20 years respectively, Franco now stands accused of sexual and psychological abuse according to a judge’s resolution obtained by the Associated Press in January. It is important to highlight that Franco has not been formally charged. However, if found guilty of the new charge, he could face a prison sentence ranging from two to five years.

Franco, who turned 23 on March 1, was in the midst of his third major league season when his career was halted. Prior to this, he had an impressive performance with a batting average of .281, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts over 112 games.

In November 2021, Franco agreed to an $182 million, 11-year contract. Additionally, he earned $706,761 last year in addition to his salary as part of MLB’s pre-arbitration bonus pool, which is a fund established by the league and players’ association to reward young players.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are related to allegations of an alleged relationship with a minor and potential abuse. These issues are connected to SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. SDG 16 is also relevant as it aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children

The article discusses allegations of a relationship with a minor and potential abuse, which align with Target 5.2 of SDG 5. This target aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including exploitation and abuse. Additionally, Target 16.2 of SDG 16 is relevant as it focuses on ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the issues discussed, we can identify relevant indicators. Indicator 5.2.1 measures the proportion of women and girls who experience physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner. Indicator 16.2.2 measures the number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, considering sex, age group, and form of exploitation. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: nbcsports.com

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