• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now
Law

Wander Franco Trial Delayed Despite Lawyers’ Request to Beat Spring Training Deadline

The shortstop’s trial for sexual abuse and human trafficking in the Dominican Republic was pushed back five months after several witnesses failed to appear.

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Wander Franco’s sexual abuse and human trafficking lawsuit has been moved to June 2. It was previously scheduled to begin in the Dominican Republic on Thursday, but prosecutors requested a delay due to issues with getting witnesses into court. They ultimately won out despite a request from Franco’s lawyers to complete the trial in time for spring training.

Franco was moved to the Rays’ restricted list after he was formally charged last summer, which was described as a strictly administrative move because he couldn’t enter the United States. Regardless, the move cut off payments that he had been receiving while on administrative leave.

“There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now,” said Teodosio Jáquez, Franco’s lead lawyer.

Franco, 23, is accused of having a relationship with a 14-year-old-girl when he was 21 that involved paying the minor’s mother about $1,700 per month and buying her a car. He is standing trial for three charges of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation against a minor, and faces up to 20 years in prison. The mother is under house arrest and has been charged with money laundering. Prosecutors say thousands of dollars have been found in the mother’s home that they believe came from Franco.

WhatsApp messages prosecutors allege Franco sent to the minor have also emerged. “If my team realizes this, it could cause problems for me,” they allege he wrote in Spanish. “It is a rule for all teams that we cannot talk to minors, and yet I took the risk and I loved it.”

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with Tampa Bay in 2021. Allegations from multiple girls emerged on social media, and Franco left the team in 2023. His last MLB game was Aug. 12, 2023.

Initially, Franco, the team, league, and players’ union worked out a deal for him to be placed on administrative leave, meaning he was still receiving payments and major league service time. He had been receiving half of his $2.4 million base salary until July 2024 when the Rays moved him to the restricted list, cutting off his money and service clock.

Franco is also under MLB investigation under the league and union’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, which do not require a criminal conviction to punish players.

Franco still wants to return to MLB, saying he “did not ‘had’ a career,” pointing out the past tense was inaccurate. “This is not over,” he told reporters.

The 2023 All-Star is also facing charges for illegal possession and use of a firearm after an incident in the Dominican Republic last month, and that case is still awaiting a court date.

If Franco is found guilty and sent to prison, he would likely be barred from the United States, which would void his contract; even if he is convicted on lesser charges, he may have a steep climb to returning to MLB or the United States.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kelly Coleman, pro bat lead operator, inspects a torpedo bat after it comes out of a baseball bat lathe at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Ky. on Mar. 31, 2025.

‘Torpedo’ Bat Sales Boom As Debate Rages About Effectiveness

Several manufacturers report historic interest in the much-debated bat design.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.

FanDuel’s PE Backers Fire Back at Founder’s Legal Fight Over 2018 Sale

The legal dispute stems from the 2018 sale of 61% of FanDuel.
Mar 19, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; The Nike Kobe shoes worn by a member of the Creighton Bluejays are seen as he shoots during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Rupp Arena.

Sportswear Retailers in Crosshairs as Trump Announces More Tariffs

Trump is expected to announce sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs.

Featured Today

Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion
April 1, 2025

Inside the 24-Hour NIL March Madness Deals

Some of the most viral partnerships come together overnight.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Brehanna Daniels
March 31, 2025

NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels Didn’t Know She’d Be a Trailblazer

The first Black female tire changer didn’t know she’d be a trailblazer.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
exclusive

ESPN Is Accused of Harassment, Retaliation in Legal Letter From Exec Editor

Cristina Daglas has been on administrative leave since January.
Juan Soto
March 18, 2025

MLBPA’s NIL Suit Against DraftKings Can Continue, Judge Says

The sportsbook failed to get the case dismissed.
A set of trading cards
March 19, 2025

New Suit Alleges Fanatics ‘Monopoly’ Increased Trading Card Prices 

The suit also names the NBA, NHL, and NFL as defendants.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Nick Kyrgios reacts to a point against Botic van de Zandschulp in the first set of their first-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Thursday, March 6, 2025.
March 18, 2025

Novak Djokovic’s PTPA Sues Tennis ‘Cartel’

The 163-page lawsuit was filed in three countries and seeks to reshape the sport.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and tight end Trey McBride (85) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium.
March 14, 2025

Marvin Harrison Jr., Fanatics End 10-Month-Long Legal Battle

Fanatics initially filed the lawsuit last May for breach of contract.
Dec. 18, 1982; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback David Woodley (16) is pursued by New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau (99) at the Orange Bowl.
March 13, 2025

Mark Gastineau Sues ESPN for $25 Million, Alleging Deceptive Editing of Favre..

Gastineau is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played from 1979 to 1988.
Ryan Wedding
March 7, 2025

Feds Put $10 Million Bounty on Olympic Snowboarder for Drug Trafficking, Murder

Ryan Wedding competed at the 2002 Winter Games for Canada.