• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Criminal Charges Mean No Pay for Wander Franco

Franco, who hasn’t played for the Rays since last year, was still receiving payments on his 11-year, $182 million contract.

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Rays put Wander Franco on the restricted list Wednesday. It’s a bureaucratic move with major implications: The shortstop will no longer be getting paid or receiving major league service time.

Franco had been away from baseball while authorities in the Dominican Republic investigated social media allegations that he had sexually abused and human trafficked a 14-year-old girl.

Under the terms of an agreement between Franco, the Rays, MLB, and its players’ union, Franco had been getting paid while the investigation was ongoing. He had signed an 11-year, $182 million contract in 2021.

On Tuesday, authorities in the Dominican Republic announced three charges against Franco, including sexual abuse and human trafficking. The girl’s mother was also charged with money laundering and human trafficking. Prosecutors allege that Franco was paying the girl’s mother for the four months when he abused her teenage daughter.

Franco was technically moved to the restricted list due to his inability to report to the Rays, according to ESPN. The terms of his bail bar him from leaving the Dominican Republic.

Tampa Bay immediately stopped payment on Franco’s $182 million contract, according to UPI. He had been receiving 50% of his base salary while on administrative leave, according to the Associated Press; that base was only $2.4 million this year before large increases were scheduled for 2025 and ’26.

The move from administrative leave to the restricted list is procedural and not disciplinary, according to several reports.

Franco’s trial begins in August; he is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He left the Rays in August of last year after several young girls posted on social media that Franco had inappropriate relationships with them and authorities began investigating. He has not played since Aug. 12, 2023.

MLB and Tampa Bay said they were aware of the charges but had little to add while the case plays out in court. Rays manager Kevin Cash called the news “serious” and “very concerning.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Shai

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
June 30, 2025

Rape Suit Against QB Retzlaff Dismissed, but He’s Still Leaving BYU

Retzlaff admitted to “consensual” sex, violating BYU’s strict honor code.
June 30, 2025

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 30, 2025

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.
June 29, 2025

Malik Beasley Being Investigated in NBA Gambling Probe

If proven, the claims could lead to Beasley’s lifetime expulsion from the NBA.
Joopiter, Michael Jordan card
June 27, 2025

Michael Jordan Rookie Card Sells for Record $2.5M in Eyebrow-Raising Auction

The auction, which received only one bid, sets a new record.
June 27, 2025

As Wimbledon Approaches, Sinner and Alcaraz Solidify New Era

Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last six Grand Slams.