)
Franco’s glittering career has come crashing down after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor in a major scandal.
Wander Franco has been found guilty of sexually abusing a minor.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday afternoon in a Dominican Republic court, marking a dramatic fall from grace for one of baseball’s most promising young talents.
What happened?
)
The 24-year-old Tampa Bay Rays shortstop stood trial over grave allegations that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
To further complicate the already damning accusations, the MLB star was also charged with transferring money to the minor’s mother in exchange for her approval of the illegal relationship.
)
According to TMZ Sports, Franco was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence, which essentially means he will avoid jail time if he complies with several court-ordered conditions.
These include staying away from sexual involvement with minors and maintaining good behaviour.
Major League Baseball responded to the scandal in an official statement:
“Major League Baseball is proud to have a collectively bargained Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy that reflects our commitment to these issues. We are aware of today’s verdict in the Wander Franco trial and will conclude our investigation at the appropriate time.”
Franco’s meteoric rise now in ruins
)
Before his career was halted by these disturbing allegations, Franco was widely regarded as a generational talent.
Making his Major League debut at just 20 years old, the Dominican-born shortstop quickly established himself as one to watch.
In less than three seasons, Franco posted an impressive .282 batting average and earned a coveted All-Star appearance, making headlines for his agility, precision, and natural flair on the field.
However, his rapid rise has now been overshadowed by his criminal conviction. Franco has been placed on MLB’s restricted list, effectively sidelining him from the game indefinitely.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)