If the accusations made by government officials in the Dominican Republic prove to be true, there is almost no description of Wander Franco’s behavior that can be considered out of bounds.
Sad. Disgraceful. Obscene.
According to reports from Dominican Republic broadcaster Mike Rodriguez and sports editor Martin Rodriguez, prosecutors have alleged that Franco had a physical relationship with a 14-year-old girl in the winter of 2022 when he was 21 and had already played two seasons in the Major Leagues.
It is necessary to point out that Franco has not been convicted, and a judge has yet to rule in Friday’s preliminary hearing. And while prosecutors have publicly acknowledged they are seeking commercial sexual exploitation and money laundering charges (connected to hush money payments to the girl’s mother, who is also facing charges), they have declined further comment. Franco’s attorney and agent have been almost entirely mum.
But details emerging from journalists in the Dominican Republic suggest the Rays All-Star shortstop could be in serious jeopardy in the coming months, both legally and with Major League Baseball.
The initial depictions of the pending charges are not the least bit ambiguous. This is not alleged to have happened several years ago when Franco was a teenager himself. And the minor involved was closer to early adolescence than adulthood.
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