Rays' Wander Franco Released on Conditions Amid Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Probe

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was released from custody in the Dominican Republic amid allegations of sexual abuse involving a 14-year-old girl. Despite prosecutors' concerns about him being a flight risk, a judge allowed Franco to remain free during the ongoing investigation after posting a bond. The case involves claims that Franco had a sexual relationship with the minor and paid her mother for silence. The MLB star, who was placed on administrative leave last season, faces a complex legal situation with nearly 600 pages of evidence submitted by prosecutors.