(670 The Score) As investigators continue to look into abuse allegations against him, the paid administrative leave of Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has been extended through Sunday, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reported.
The extension had to be agreed upon by the league and the players' union. Last week, Russell was accused of physical, emotional and verbal abuse by his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy-Russell, in a blog post. Beyond that account, MLB has also acquired other "credible" information into the allegations against Russell, Rosenthal has reported.
Russell has been away from the Cubs since last Friday. With each day that passes, it appears more and more likely that he won't play for the Cubs again this season. Every previous instance of an MLB player being placed on administrative leave under the joint domestic violence policy has resulted in the player agreeing to a suspension without an appeal, Rosenthal said.
Russell has denied the accusations, calling them "completely false." This marks the second time Russell has had domestic violence accusations leveled against him, as one of Reidy-Russell's friends first accused him of physical abuse in a social media post in June 2017. Russell also denied those claims.
MLB opened an investigation into Russell last summer, but its progress was stalled as Reidy-Russell chose not to cooperate then. The case was left open.
The regular season ends Sunday. The Cubs have clinched their fourth straight playoff berth but still have work left to do to win the National League Central, as they lead the Brewers by a half-game.
