Giants Owner Suspended Without Pay After Altercation with Wife
San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer has been suspended without pay by Major League Baseball until July 1 after a video surfaced of him shoving his wife.
MLB has also ordered Baer to undergo counseling.
The league said in a news release that the suspension will be backdated to March 4, the day Baer took his leave of absence from the Giants.
“During the period of his suspension, Baer shall have no involvement in the operations of the Giants,” it said.
Continuing, MLB outlined the Giants’ expected next moves to fill the leadership vacuum.
“The Club shall be operated by an interim control person appointed by the ownership group in consultation with the Commissioner,” it said. “Baer will be required to undergo an evaluation by an expert to determine an appropriate treatment and counseling plan.”
Commissioner Manfred announced today that @SFGiants President & CEO Larry Baer has been suspended without pay through and including July 1, 2019. Baer’s leave of absence, which commenced on March 4, 2019, will be converted to an unpaid suspension. pic.twitter.com/AhyIjr5AQP
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) March 26, 2019
Presumably, this “interim control person” will become the de facto choice to assume the role permanently should further evidence emerge that leads to harsher and/or longer-term punishment for the embattled CEO.
Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement explaining his decision.
“At my direction, the Department of Investigations conducted an investigation into the March 1, 2019 video-recorded incident involving Larry Baer,” Manfred said. “I also personally met with Mr. Baer.
“Based on my review of the results of the investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Baer’s conduct was unacceptable under MLB policies and warrants discipline.
“In determining the appropriate level of discipline, I find that Mr. Baer should be held to a higher standard because as a leader he is expected to be a role model for others in his organization and community.
“Based on my conversation with Mr. Baer, it is clear that he regrets what transpired and takes responsibility for his conduct.”
At issue is an incident in which Baer was caught on camera shoving his wife to the ground while trying to pry a cellphone from her hands.
WARNING: Video includes graphic language.
Pam Baer can be heard in the video shouting, “Oh my God, help!” while resisting her husband’s use of force.
She has publicly stood by her husband since the incident, describing the incident as an “argument” in which she lost her balance.
Pam Baer releases statement through her SF attorney following altercation with husband Larry Baer this morning pic.twitter.com/THRrBgxkAW
— Evan Sernoffsky ? (@EvanSernoffsky) March 2, 2019
Larry Baer issued a statement of his own upon hearing of his punishment, in which he shows the level of contrition and promised improvement traditionally associated with these sorts of incidents in sports.
Baer said, “I respect and accept the Commissioner’s decision, and I respect and accept the Commissioner’s decision, and appreciate the fair and thorough process undertaken by MLB and the Giants.”
“I made a serious mistake that I sincerely regret and I am truly sorry for my actions. My unacceptable behavior fell well short of what must be demanded of every person, particularly someone in my position and role in the community.”
“I will now immediately begin the significant work ahead of me to listen and learn from my mistakes and seek professional advice. I am committed to doing what it takes to earn the trust and respect of the many people impacted by my actions.”
Statement from Larry Baer: pic.twitter.com/9pUDVzm0QU
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) March 26, 2019
The Giants, meanwhile, now have an additional complication as they attempt to rebuild back to the glory that brought them three World Series titles between 2010 and 2014 and a playoff appearance as recently as 2016.
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