Melisa Reidy has previously alleged, but not publicly detailed, abuse by former husband and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell. She greatly expanded upon her story in a lengthy interview with Kelly Wallace of Expanded Roster.
Needless to say, Reidy’s extensive account of abuse is extremely troubling. It includes multiple instances of serious physical battery along with ongoing emotional abuse. Reidy relays her recollection in full detail. Those interested in reviewing the full interview should follow the above link. (If the site is still having server issues, you can also access the story at this Twitter link.)
Russell is currently serving a 40-game suspension under the MLB-MLBPA Joint Domestic Violence Policy. It is not immediately apparent whether the league had access to all of the details presented today by Reidy, but she previously acknowledged having spoken with league investigators after finalizing her divorce. Neither is it known whether Reidy’s newly expanded allegations will lead to further investigation from the commissioner’s office.
In terms of his ongoing employment situation, Russell was recently tendered a contract by the Cubs, though that is not a guaranteed commitment. It is not known the extent to which Reidy’s full allegations (or other information) were available to the team. At the time, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said the organization wished “to try to become a small part of the solution for Addison, his family, Melisa Reidy and the larger issue of domestic violence prevention.” In a statement issued through the team, Russell apologized to Reidy for what he described as his “past behavior” while also stating an intention to “become part of the solution.”
