"Throw him under the jail";"His career is over just like Julio Urias" - Fans lash out at Wander Franco's reported arrest in Dominican Republic
It has been a long and unpredictable saga for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who is set to stand trial over an alleged illegal relationship with an underage girl. While the case against Franco has already been complicated, with several twists and turns coming out of his native Dominican Republic, he once again finds himself in the headlines.
The 2023 All-Star was reportedly arrested in San Juan de la Maguana after an altercation last weekend, which resulted in guns being drawn. Franco was reportedly taken into police custody and held for questioning.
Unsurprisingly, after the news broke that the polarizing shortstop was arrested in an incident in which guns were involved, MLB fans took to social media to condemn Franco. Some of the reactions ranged from disappointment to disgust, with one even comparing him to controversial former LA Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias, whose future in the MLB is in doubt after a domestic violence incident.
"His career is over just like Julio Urías," one fan posted.
"This guy had the fastest career fall off in the history of sports," another fan wrote.
"This guy is one of the biggest dirt bags I can ever remember in MLB," a fan said.
It's been a dramatic fall from grace for Franco, who was once considered the most exciting young player in baseball. He was beginning to live up to his potential, earning his first All-Star selection only weeks before word of his alleged relationship with a 14-year-old girl came to light.
"Throw him under the jail," a fan wrote.
"Lock him up for life bruh," another fan posted.
"Go ahead and throw away the key," one fan added.
It remains to be seen what will happen with Wander Franco after this latest arrest; however, he will stand trial in the Dominican Republic on Dec. 12 for the charges against him stemming from the alleged relationship with a minor.
Wander Franco faces up to 20 years in prison as a result of the case against him
The talented but troubled Tampa Bay Rays shortstop has been charged with several crimes, including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
Not only would a lengthy prison sentence end his baseball career, but it would also end one of the darkest chapters in recent MLB history. If he is not found guilty, and even if he is going to return to the MLB, he would still likely face some form of punishment from the league. Although the allegations came to light in August 2023, the Wander Franco saga is still far from over.