Addison Russell received some boos from the fans at Wrigley Field during his season debut on Wednesday night.
Russell returned to the Chicago Cubs after completing his 40-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy. He played second and batted eighth against the Miami Marlins. When he came up to bat in the bottom of the third, there were boos and also some claps.
Here's the reaction at Wrigley Field as Addison Russell returns to the Cubs after serving a 40 game suspension for violating MLB's domestic-violence policy. pic.twitter.com/QcJCL4iYvV
— Joey Donia – KWQC (@JoeyDonia) May 9, 2019
The fan-shot video shows more boos:
Addison Russell comes to the plate; a lot of boos to say the least. pic.twitter.com/YYcAx5Zch8
— Rooftop Rundown (@RooftopRundown) May 9, 2019
Russell struck out in the at-bat.
Russell served 12 games of his suspension at the end of last season and the remaining 28 this season. He was eligible to return on May 3 but spent time in the minors to brush up before the Cubs activated him after Ben Zobrist went on the restricted list.
The public matters between Russell and his ex-wife that led to the suspension began two years ago.
Russell’s now ex-wife posted on Instagram in 2017 an allegation that he had cheated on her. A close friend of ex-wife Melisa Reidy claimed Russell had hit Melisa in front of their kids. Russell was placed on leave while the Cubs investigated the matter. At the time, Reidy did not cooperate with MLB’s investigation.
After Reidy accused Russell of domestic violence last year, MLB reopened its investigation, and the Cubs infielder was placed on leave again. He ended up being suspended 40 games and has just returned.
Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein said prior to Russell’s debut that the infielder does not deserve a warm reception yet. Many of the fans apparently agreed.
