Skip to content

Condition: Post with Page_List

Listen
Search
Please enter at least 3 characters.

Latest Stories

Russell Gets Mixed Reception In Return To Cubs

Cubs shortstop Addison Russell
Aaron Doster/USA Today Sports

CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- After recently completing a 40-game domestic violence suspension, infielder Addison Russell returned to the Cubs and Wrigley Field on Wednesday night and was received with a mixed reception during his first plate appearance back.

Many fans chose to boo while others vocally expressed their disapproval of Russell's return. Others offered a polite ovation. Take a listen below.


Russell received his suspension last September after his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, detailed allegations of spousal abuse in a blog post. Russell was with the Cubs during spring training but had been away from the team since the start of the regular season.

Batting eighth and starting at second base, Russell struck out in his first plate appearance against Marlins right-hander Jose Urena. The mixed reception was something Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein anticipated.

"He doesn't deserve to be met with an unconditionally warm welcome and with open arms," Epstein said before the game. "I think he'll receive an appropriate response and that's something he needs to take responsibility for, to process, to handle the right way and to grow from. It's all part of the process. I think he knows it's a long road back to earn people's trust.

"It's not something you get back easily. It's something you have to earn. Because of the work he's put in, he's still part of this organization. And I think that buys him a chance to try to earn people's trust back."

Russell spoke with local reporters for the first time since a press conference at the Cubs' spring training facility in February, speaking of how the rehabilitation process has improved his emotions and interactions.

"Overall, I feel like I'm a better person," Russell said before the game. "Hearing from my family and friends and also teammates that I have improved as well is a lot of assurance for me.

"I know that I'm making great strides. It's a long road ahead and there is no finish line. But I'm committed to this."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.