Major League Baseball

Ex-Rangers manager Washington on resignation: 'I was not true to my wife'

Published Sep. 18, 2014 3:40 p.m. ET

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IRVING, Texas --  Former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington took steps towards clearing up some of the mystery surrounding his abrupt resignation Thursday afternoon.

He says he crossed the line with Gerry, his wife of 42 years. Exactly what that line was still isn't clear, but Washington addressed the situation in a statement that lasted just over three minutes and he did not take questions.

"I was not true to my wife after 42 years. I broke that trust," said Washington. "I'm here today to own that. To apologize to her and to those I disappointed. And those who have trusted me and I let them down."

Washington resigned Sept. 5 and hadn't spoken publicly. A news conference was called Thursday morning and only Washington and a public relations representative for Tucker and Associates talked at the event attended by approximately 50 media members. Gerry Washington sat to Washington's right during his statement and the former Rangers manager exited the news conference with his arm around his wife.

Washington, 62, was contrite Thursday.

"Today, I'm at a very low time in my life," Washington said. "I'm sorry for breaking the trust that I had with my wife and disappointing my players, disappointing my coaches, disappointing Major League Baseball and disappointing the Texas Rangers. All I ask is for your forgiveness and that you understand."

Washington, who managed the Rangers since the start of 2007, said he wanted to get back in the game. However, he made it sound as if that return wouldn't come with the Rangers.

"I want to give one final thanks to the fans, the Texas Rangers fans," he said. "You've been good to me. And I will miss the Metroplex and I will miss you."

As to finding out the exact nature of what led to Washington's resignation, that answer wasn't coming Thursday.

"All I ask is for your forgiveness and that you understand and I also ask that you respect our privacy as we go on with our lives," he said. "This matter is certainly personal and we're trying hard to put it behind us."

A press release about Washington's statement wasn't released until Thursday morning and there were no representatives from the Rangers at the Irving hotel. 

Washington, who has more wins than any other Texas manager, was replaced by Tim Bogar on an interim basis. Since Bogar took over the Rangers are 6-5 and entered Thursday's game on a five-game winning streak.

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