Addison Russell suspended 40 matches after domestic violence investigation

Chicago Cubs Addison Russell have been suspended for 40 games following domestic violence investigations against his ex-wife, MLB announced on Wednesday.

Russell, who was on administrative leave on September 21, is accused of violating the League's policy on domestic violence. His ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, 24, published a blog post detailing a story of physical and psychological abuse. The news comes after MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league wanted "to make sure we had all the facts" and had no timetable to complete the investigation on Tuesday. .

"My office has completed its investigation into allegations that Addison Russell has violated the common policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Major League Baseball," Manfred said in a statement. . "After reviewing all available evidence, I concluded that Mr. Russell had breached the policy and should be disciplined in the form of an unpaid suspension covering 40 games."

The league's investigation began in June 2017 after Reidy's friend allegations lifted following the publication of Reidy, claiming that Russell had deceived her. The Instagram post has been removed.

"Hateful cheats on your wife, mentally and physically abusing her," Reed wrote. "Melisa did not want it to come out, but I'll say it, he hit it, in front of Aiden and Mila."

Russell quickly denied the charges over the summer and said in a statement that "any allegation that I abused my wife is false and hurtful".

Russell has agreed not to appeal the suspension and will participate in a "confidential and comprehensive assessment and treatment program overseen by the Joint Policy Board".

Russell was not in the playoff lineup for the Cubs when the team lost Tuesday in the Wild Cards match against NL.