Whether you choose to believe this or not, the story is already out there and more often than not perception becomes reality. On Sunday, Sheryl Ring, who is a lawyer and contributes to Fangraphs, stated on Twitter that the Cubs have actively been trying to control the Addison Russell narrative in the media, and going as far as threatening one member of the media to avoid being critical about the team’s handling of Russell and his return.
As we all know, Russell was suspended 40 games for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy. His ex-wife Melisa Reidy has detailed the abuse she suffered while she was married with Russell.
Mike Gianella, who writes for Baseball Prospectus, says he heard the same thing.
The allegation picked up steam after Bill Baer wrote about it in HardballTalk.
ESPN Chicago’s Jesse Rogers responded to the story and although he wouldn’t or any media member would admit to the allegation, he obviously denied it.
The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma also responded.
Fan blogs, Bleacher Nation and Cubs Insider, have both said they haven’t been contacted by anyone from the team.
Herb Lawrence, who’s the executive producer for Cubs coverage on 670 The Score said the allegation was very true.
Of course, 670 The Score is the radio flagship station of the Cubs, so it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary that the team wouldn’t want the on-air talent to keep hammering the Cubs on Russell. Not saying that it’s right, but it certainly seems like a realistic possibility.
As far as the beat reporters, they’ve been critical all offseason about Russell. There is Bruce Levine, who for whatever reason seems to feel sorry for Russell, but again he does work for 670 The Score, the radio home of the Cubs.
So, maybe the allegation is correct, but I sincerely don’t think that “threat” was handed out to every single reporter who covers the team on a daily basis. As far as coverage on 670 The Score? Sure, there was probably a message sent to ease off on the Russell criticism.
That doesn’t make it right, but there are still plenty of media outlets that are hammering the Cubs and their handling of Russell.
By the way, Russell keeps saying things that simply don’t make anyone believe that he feels any remorse, or that he thinks he did anything wrong.
It’s domestic violence, not getting shit-faced in Wrigleyville and acting like a jackass in public. Russell keeps acting like it was a small mistake.
Russell is eligible to return to the Cubs on May 3, when his suspension is over. Theo Epstein said last week that there is no guarantee that Russell will be activated immediately after the suspension is done.
Joe Maddon said that if and when Russell comes back, he’ll play different positions, as Javier Báez has established himself as the clear-cut starting shortstop for the Cubs.
