Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with sexual abuse and sexual exploitation against a minor. The allegations surfaced in July, with the first complaint filed that month. Major League Baseball placed Franco on administrative leave on Aug. 22 to investigate his alleged relationships with underage girls.
As a result of the allegations, the Rays have taken down images of Franco at Tropicana Field and have ceased selling his merchandise at the team store within the ballpark. Franco's future in baseball is now uncertain, with the possibility that he may never play again.
Despite his recent legal troubles, Franco had a successful season last year, earning his first All-Star selection. He posted impressive stats, hitting .281 with 17 home runs and 58 RBI over 112 games. In November 2021, Franco signed a lucrative 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays, potentially worth $233 million with a team option in 2033.
Following a raid by Dominican police on properties linked to Franco, he was arrested and later released under the condition of monthly meetings with local authorities. Prosecutors in the Dominican Republic allege that Franco referred to the minor involved as 'my girl' in a WhatsApp message, acknowledging the risks of the relationship but expressing his affection for it.
The relationship between Franco and the 15-year-old girl reportedly lasted four months, during which Franco allegedly paid her to keep quiet about it. The girl's mother is also facing charges related to money laundering, as she received gifts from Franco. Documents suggest that Franco provided the girl with significant sums of money and paid her mother a monthly amount, along with a new car.
