CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- After returning to the Cubs on Wedesday following a recently completed 40-game suspension for violating the league's joint domestic violence policy, infielder Addison Russell expressed his appreciation for the organization giving him what president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called a "conditional second chance."
"Somewhere along the line, you have to be responsible for things that you were not proud of doing," Russell said. "You have to serve that time. I served that time and whether I have backlash or being suspended, it has been tough. That is just one of many things I have had to go through in this process. Feeling that heat and being put down in that low part. Just serving that time -- it is not fun, it is not fun at all. When I think my heart is getting bigger (is) when I get validation from my friends, family and teammates. That has made this whole process much easier."
Russell, 25, started at second base and batted eighth for the Cubs on Wednesday. He discussed one of his takeaways from his suspension and work in rehabilitating himself.
"I must be vulnerable," Russell said about his new form of communicating with others. "I think to be vulnerable you have to be courageous. To be vulnerable with these guys who have good relationships and families, they are good people to learn from. They are good people to talk to. It's good to have relationships with those people."
The Russell story will be followed with great interest by the MLB and support groups of those who have been abused. Russell knows he has a lot more to learn and prove to others -- and also that trust can only be earned over a much longer period of time.
"It's a huge step along the way," Russell said earning back the trust of fans, teammates and others. "I need to hit small goals and then over time reflect, look and see how far I came and then keep going forward."
As for those who are against him returning to the Cubs, Russell had a response.
"I know they are going to think what they want to and say what they want to say," Russell said. "I respect them for that. I am here and happy to have this opportunity to help the team win. I have been trying to keep a level head about what is going on. I have a lot of different facets of this to deal with. I am also trying to get better as a person and to grow. To say that one part of all of this is harder than the rest is kind of impossible thing to say. This whole process is difficult and really hard on my family and myself. I believe in the good of people. I am just happy to be here and have this opportunity."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
