Part 4/8:
The MLB released a statement expressing its commitment to addressing wrongdoing in cases such as Franco’s. However, the phrasing of their statement, particularly the use of the word "proud" in relation to their collective bargaining agreements, raised eyebrows. Many believe that pride should not be associated with dark issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Punishment for such offenses is a societal expectation, irrespective of the league's policies.
For the Tampa Bay Rays, the fallout from Franco's actions is not just a temporary setback; it could have lasting repercussions on the organization’s reputation. The franchise invested heavily in a player who now embodies a cautionary tale about the difficulties of evaluating talent from an ethical perspective.