MLB says Clevinger won't face discipline in investigation

Sun, Mar 5, 2023
Other News (AP)

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Major League Baseball said Sunday it will not discipline Chicago White Sox right-hander Mike Clevinger after completing its investigation of domestic abuse allegations.

In a statement, the commissioner's office said its investigation included interviews of more than 15 people, including Clevinger and a woman who said she is the mother of Clevinger's child, as well as thousands of electronic communications and other documents.

Clevinger has voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards under the CBA and to follow any recommendations, according to the statement.

"I had nothing to hide and cooperated fully with MLB," Clevinger said in a statement released by the players' union. "This situation has been stressful for my family, and I thank them for their strength and support. I asked everyone not to rush to judgment until MLB's investigation was concluded, and I appreciate everyone who had faith in me, including the White Sox organization and my teammates."

In an Instagram post on Jan. 24, Olivia Finestead said she is the mother of Clevinger's child and alleged he fathered two other children who were not hers. She posted a photo of marks on her body with accompanying words that alleged the injuries were "from when he threw an iPad at me pregnant" and "finally left when he strangled me."

"Mike Clevinger," she added, "you really deserve hell I've kept quiet now for almost a year and you continue to covertly abuse your infant." She said Clevinger "threw chew spit on our baby."

The Associated Press typically does not identify victims of domestic violence or sexual assault unless they agree to be named or come forward publicly with their allegations, as Finestead had.

The 32-year-old Clevinger finalized a $12 million, one-year contract with Chicago in December. MLB's probe predates his agreement with the White Sox. When he reported to spring training, Clevinger apologized for being a distraction and told reporters he was confident he would be exonerated.

Clevinger pitched for Cleveland from 2016 until being traded to the San Diego Padres during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

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