MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred discusses Mike Clevinger decision amid domestic violence allegations

Olivia Finestead accused Mike Clevinger of domestic violence and child abuse. Olivia is Mike's 10-month-old daughter's mother. MLB was quick to respond to the complaints and launched an active investigation into Clevinger. Before he was signed in the offseason, the Chicago White Sox were unaware of the allegations against their newest recruit.

Stephanie Apstein

@stephapstein

I asked Rick Hahn if he’s frustrated that Mike Clevinger put him and the White Sox in this position by not disclosing when he signed that he was under investigation for allegations of domestic violence. Hahn thought about it for a while and said, “I understand why he did.”

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I asked Rick Hahn if he’s frustrated that Mike Clevinger put him and the White Sox in this position by not disclosing when he signed that he was under investigation for allegations of domestic violence. Hahn thought about it for a while and said, “I understand why he did.”

"I asked Rick Hahn if he’s frustrated that Mike Clevinger put him and the White Sox in this position by not disclosing when he signed that he was under investigation for allegations of domestic violence. Hahn thought about it for a while and said, “I understand why he did.”" - stephapstein

When the alleged event occurred in June last year, Clevinger was a member of the San Diego Padres. This summer, the White Sox agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with the right-hander.

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Talkin’ Baseball

@TalkinBaseball_

Mike Clevinger will report to Spring Training with the White Sox, per @BNightengale

He will not be placed on administrative leave during the domestic violence investigation

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Mike Clevinger will report to Spring Training with the White Sox, per @BNightengale

He will not be placed on administrative leave during the domestic violence investigation https://t.co/Nl0njErXRs

"Mike Clevinger will report to Spring Training with the White Sox, per BNightengale"

"He will not be placed on administrative leave during the domestic violence investigation" - TalkinBaseball_

The domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy of the league, which was collectively bargained for, gives Commissioner Rob Manfred the authority to punish players independent of any pending legal actions.

Since the rule went into effect in 2015, 17 players have been suspended as a result of it. The most notable instance was the 324-game suspension imposed on Trevor Bauer in 2022, which was subsequently lowered to 194 games.

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What's the active scenario between Mike Clevinger and the White Sox?

During his active trial, the 32-year-old right-hander will report to the Chicago White Sox for spring training with specific restrictions imposed by the league's administration. Albeit the investigations are active, Clevinger is pleading innocence on his part, claiming that he hadn't committed any crime.

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Famed Friar

@Famedfriar

Mike Clevinger Adressing The Media About Domestic Violence Case:

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Mike Clevinger Adressing The Media About Domestic Violence Case: https://t.co/2GnddXHa0u

"Mike Clevinger Adressing The Media About Domestic Violence Case:" - Famedfriar

"I’m just asking everyone to wait before they rush to judgment. Wait until the actual facts are out there" - Mike Clevinger

Since Clevinger is under investigation, the White Sox are not permitted to release him while the inquiry is ongoing, but they are permitted to do so after it is over, regardless of the outcome.

While conducting its investigation, the commissioner's office may place Clevinger on a 7-day paid administrative leave, but any additional time would require prior arrangement with the players association.

It remains to be the season, what will be the collective final verdict of the league administration and Rob Manfred as Finestead has asked Mike be sent to rehab and issues an apology in public to her and their 10-month-old baby.

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