Epstein: Russell must meet 'extremely high standard' to play for Cubs again
Addison Russell, who received a 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, will be eligible to rejoin the Chicago Cubs by early May.
But team president Theo Epstein may not welcome the shortstop back so readily.
"We hold Addison Russell to an extremely high standard," Epstein said Tuesday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. "And we expect him to abide by that or he won't play another major league game for the Chicago Cubs ever again."
Russell took part in Tuesday's batting practice after reporting for spring training. Despite being on the league's restricted list, the 25-year-old is eligible to practice with the team and participate in spring training games.
Epstein told reporters his organization has "really stepped up," stating every Cubs employee will have gone through "enhanced domestic violence training" by the end of spring training.
Cubs President Theo Epstein spoke at length today about Addison Russell's continued treatment after his MLB Domestic Violence suspension along with the club's commitment to doing what it can to educate their employees on the prevention of Domestic Violence. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/UTh7Yfxv2Z
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) February 12, 2019
Russell accepted a 40-game ban in October after Melisa Reidy, his ex-wife, detailed his domestic abuse on her personal blog. Reidy and Russell have one child together.
"Clearly, we support Major League Baseball's finding and Addy's decision to accept the suspension," Epstein said at the time.