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Former Rangers manager Washington on resignation: 'I was not true to my wife'

Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington issued a statement Thursday regarding his resignation earlier this month, saying he was not true to his wife after 42 years of marriage.

Washington addressed the media during a press conference ahead of Texas's series finale in Oakland. He did not take questions and no members of the Rangers organization were present or involved in the briefing.

"When you respect baseball, baseball respects you," Washington said. "I made a mistake and I'm embarrassed more than I've ever been in my life."

Washington, the most accomplished manager in franchise history, did not elaborate on what he described as a breach of trust.

"I was not true to my wife after 42 years," he said. "I broke her trust. I'm here today to own that mistake and apologize to her and those I disappointed."

Washington also apologized to the team and asked the public for privacy and forgiveness.

"Today, I'm at a very low point in my life," he added, with his wife, Gerry, watching in attendance.

In a statement released the day he stepped down, Washington said:

Today, I have submitted my resignation from the job I love - managing the Rangers - in order to devote my full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter. As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is what’s best for me and my family.

General manager Jon Daniels later said he was aware of Washington's situation but declined to provide specifics.

Washington offered his resignation in 2010 after he admitted to using cocaine once during the previous season. The Rangers rejected the offer and Washington entered into substance abuse programs.

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