Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended for 324 games on Friday — two full seasons — by Major League Baseball for violating the domestic violence and sexual assault policy. Bauer immediately announced via Twitter that he would appeal the longest suspension imposed by MLB under this policy.
The 31-year-old was charged in June with violent sexual behavior during two encounters with a San Diego woman at Bauer’s home in Pasadena, California. At the time, he was placed on paid administrative leave pending the unfolding of the legal proceedings and the MLB investigation. He spent the rest of the season and the start of this season on administrative leave. He owns already missed 111 games. Bauer last pitched on June 28.
BREAKING: Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has been suspended 324 games (2 years) by commissioner Rob Manfred for violating Major League Baseball’s policy on sexual assault and domestic violence.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) April 29, 2022
In early February, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office refused to file criminal charges against Bauer, claiming he was “unable to prove the relevant charges beyond a reasonable doubt”.
However, that did not relieve Bauer of possible punishment from MLB, which did not contact Bauer during the lockdown due to the player owner lockdown that began Dec. 2. Technically, it’s a conduct issue versus a legal issue, with MLB. assault policy allowing the commissioner to impose penalties without criminal charges. There was another woman in Ohio who made similar allegations against Bauer. It is not known if there are any other allegations besides these two cases.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, in a statement announcing the sanction, said Bauer’s conduct warranted the suspension, the 16th under this policy and the only one where the league and the player failed to reach a negotiated settlement. Under the collective agreement, Bauer has the right to an expedited appeal to be heard by an independent arbitrator. Since there was no settlement, Bauer’s already missed time is not included.
In the strongest possible terms, I deny any violation of the league’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy. I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have done throughout this process, my representatives and I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) April 29, 2022
Bauer, who played at UCLA and went to Hart High School in Santa Clarita, Calif., signed a three-year, $102 million contract ahead of the 2021 season. He earned $38 million last year and was expected to earn $32 million this season and in 2023. He will not be paid during the suspension.
The right-hander pitched 17 games for the Dodgers, going 8-5 with a 2.59 ERA. The suspension that began on Friday will go beyond the end of this contract. He is currently eligible for reinstatement at the end of April 2024. In his 10-year career, Bauer is 83-69 with a 3.79 ERA for the Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2020 with the Reds.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 29, 2022
The San Diego woman provided medical records in which doctors diagnosed her with “manual strangulation assault” and an “acute head injury.” Bauer admitted to both encounters, but said he did not cause the injuries she suffered.
Bauer this week sued the woman for waging a “malicious campaign” against him that cost him revenue from the terms of his contract (bonuses) as well as endorsements. He also sued two media entities, The Athletic and Deadspin, for defamation.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)
