Chicago Cubs

Report: MLB investigating domestic violence accusation involving Cubs' Addison Russell

Published Jun. 8, 2017 4:56 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

Major League Baseball is investigating an allegation of domestic violence involving Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

In a series of Instagram posts on Wednesday night, Russell’s wife, Melisa, hinted that the couple was breaking up. In a comment on one of those posts, a woman identified as a friend of Melisa wrote that Russell “mentally & physically” abused her and “hit her.” The posts have since been deleted.

When contacted by the Sun-Times, a Cubs official said the team is looking into the situation.

Russell released this statement on Thursday afternoon: “Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful. For the well-being of my family, I’ll have no further comment.”

https://twitter.com/SLGreenberg/status/872911725594542081

Russell, 23, is struggling this season – after making his first All-Star Game in 2016. In 54 games, he is hitting .209/.291/.335 with three homers and 19 RBI.

https://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/status/872919356614823941