Chicago Cubs' Addison Russell Denies Domestic Abuse Allegations

CHICAGO, IL — Major League Baseball officials say they are investigating domestic violence allegations against Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell after his wife accused him of infidelity over social media Wednesday. The now-deleted Instagram post by the infielder's wife, Melisa Russell, was followed by comments from someone identified as a close friend — remarks that also were deleted — that claimed the Cubs All-Star "mentally and physically abused" his wife and hit her in front of his children, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

But in a statement released Thursday afternoon, Addison Russell denied the abuse accusations, calling them "false and hurtful," the Sun-Times reports. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest Arlington Heights news. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

"For the well-being of my family, I’ll have no further comment," he said in the statement.

After news of the allegations broke Thursday, Cubs officials initially told the Sun-Times that the team wouldn't comment on them, but the organization planned to do its own investigation into the claims. The Cubs, however, released a team statement later in the day to address the issue:

"Last night, we were made aware of a serious claim posted on social media about Addison Russell. We reached out to Major League Baseball and, following the protocol established by MLB, will fully cooperate with the commissioner’s office as it gathers pertinent facts. Addison will not be in uniform tonight [Thursday] to allow him to work through this matter."

The league plans to interview Addison and Melisa Russell as well as the friend who posted allegations concerning the accusations, the newspaper reports.

According to ESPN.com, Melisa Russell made claims online Wednesday night that Addison Russell had cheated on her, and she insinuated that the couple was breaking up in other posts. Melisa Russell's post included a photo of herself in a swimsuit and was accompanied with the following update:

"Being free to be able to make your own choices for your own happiness beats being cheated on, lied to, & disrespected any day. #herestonewbeginnings #onlygetsbetterfromhere"

Addison Russell — who has been struggling this season and losing playing time to Javier Baez — was not in the Cubs' lineup Wednesday in their loss to the Miami Marlins. Addison and Melisa Russell have been married for a year and have a son together.

More via Chicago Sun-Times and ESPN.com

UPDATED (4:29 p.m. Thursday, June 8)

Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (Photo by MBDChicago | Wikimedia Commons)

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