Late on Friday, Major League Baseball announced it was suspending Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer for two seasons, also known as 324 games, starting immediately. If you're unfamiliar with Trevor's situation, I'll give the basic backstory in a moment, but Bauer is appealing the suspension. If he loses his appeal, this will prove to be the most-expensive sports suspension ever.
Background on the Allegations Against Trevor Bauer
Trevor Bauer's suspension was both announced and decided by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. This outcome was the culmination of an investigation into assault allegations that have dogged Bauer for the last year. Allegations which Trevor has denied and continues to dispute vigorously.
The first allegation came from a woman who admitted to having a consensual relationship with Bauer beginning in April 2021. This woman claimed that their encounters featured some mutually-agreeable rough sex, but she alleged that some encounters included experiences she did not consent to. Specifically, she claimed that she was choked and punched, and eventually lost consciousness.
Despite these accusations, Bauer denies that any non-consensual acts occurred. His lawyers have produced text exchanges that seemingly show the woman asking to be choked and slapped, suggesting a more complex context to their interactions.
Additional Allegations and Legal Maneuvers
In August of 2021, The Washington Post reported new allegations from another woman in Ohio, who claimed to have sought a restraining order against Bauer. This woman also alleged that Bauer choked and slapped her during sexual encounters. Such claims have painted a troubling picture of Bauer's behavior off the field.
Bauer's legal team responded by asserting that this woman was attempting to extort him for money, claiming that she ultimately rescinded her restraining order request. This legal back-and-forth adds layers of complexity to the already controversial situation surrounding Bauer.
The Financial Implications of the Suspension
As those two legal situations were unfolding, Bauer went on paid administrative leave with the Dodgers, a team he had just recently joined. On February 5, 2021, less than two months before opening day and the revelation of the first allegations, Trevor signed a three-year $102 million deal with the Dodgers.
Prior to this contract, the 31-year-old had earned roughly $47 million in salary during his baseball career after spending six seasons with the Cleveland Indians and one season with the Cincinnati Reds. After pitching just 17 games for the Dodgers, on July 2, 2021, Trevor was placed on paid administrative leave.
Bauer's timing was somewhat fortunate. He signed a massive contract just two months prior, and under a previous bargaining agreement, his paid admin leave could have been week-to-week. Instead, his leave was extended for the entire 2021 season. Consequently, Trevor earned both his full $10 million signing bonus and $28 million salary for the 2021 season, despite pitching only 17 games.
The Financial Fallout of the Suspension
It should be noted that Trevor Bauer has not been arrested or convicted of any crime, and in February of 2022, the L.A. County District Attorney declined to press charges against him for the April 2021 allegations. For that reason, Bauer is planning to vigorously appeal the suspension. If he wins the appeal, he will continue to earn his full salary from the Dodgers and could be activated for games.
If Trevor loses, he will not be paid $32 million he was supposed to earn in 2022 and another $32 million he was supposed to earn in 2023. This leads to a total financial loss of $64 million, which is significant for any player.
The Impact of Paid Administrative Leave
Trevor missed 99 games while he was on paid administrative leave. Because he was paid during this time, those games do not count towards the 324-game suspension. This aspect of the suspension raises questions about how MLB handles allegations and the implications for players involved in similar situations.
Overall, Bauer's situation serves as a cautionary tale regarding the legal and financial ramifications that can arise from allegations of misconduct. The complexities of consent, legal strategy, and financial contracts highlight the intricate dynamics at play in professional sports.
Final Thoughts on Bauer's Situation
As the appeal process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the outcome affects not only Bauer's career but also the perception of player conduct in Major League Baseball. The implications of this case extend beyond Bauer himself and into discussions about player accountability, consent, and the treatment of allegations in professional sports.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the world of sports, where personal actions can lead to significant financial and reputational consequences.
