22 yr old #MLB #AllStar player #WanderFranco released from jail in #DominicanRepublic after judge dismisses charges of #MoneyLaundering and #SexualExploitation of a minor, but still could face counts of sexual and psychological abuse and child abduction regarding apparent inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old that first surfaced on #socialmedia last August and led to his late season disappearance from #TampaBayRays roster. Franco, for his part, has blanket denied the allegations as coming from people "who don't know what they're talking about" and #gossip, despite incriminating financial finds with the girl's mother, #photos and witness testimony that have clouded his once promising professional future. Franco's contract was estimated at 20% of the #TampaBay team's total payroll outlay, and while on #AdministrativeLeave has received his minimum $2m annual salary. His 11-year contract that was signed in 2021 included a $700k signing bonus for the then #rookie at age 20, and had potential earnings of $182 million in his first decade as a #ProBaseball player.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/rays-shortstop-wander-franco-faces-judge-as-officials-accuse-him-of-having-sex-with-a-14-year-old-1.6712815