Dodgers RHP Trevor Bauer’s grievance hearing against Major League Baseball will begin May 23 according to reports. MLB handed down a 324-game suspension to Trevor Bauer on April 29 finding that he violated the Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy.
Bauer was accused of sexual assault by a Southern Californian woman who requested a restraining order after alleging that Bauer choked her unconscious, sodomized her and punched her repeatedly without consent during two sexual encounters last year.
The 31 year old Dodgers RHP Bauer has firmly denied the allegation of sexual assault brought against him by as many as three women.
“In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy,” Bauer wrote in a statement. “I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives and I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.”
Trevor is the first player to appeal against the suspension under league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy
That’s not to say a resolution is forthcoming shortly. Reports say that the process is likely to take place over several days in the upcoming months, subject to the availability of the arbitrators. The panel will consist of three individuals. One of whom was selected by the league, one selected by the Players Association, and one independent arbitrator approved by both parties.
Three women have made public allegations against Bauer that he assaulted them during sex. He is yet to be charged criminally, but the league has the authority to take actions even in the absence of charges. The 324-game suspension imposed upon Bauer is the longest handed down by the commissioner’s office since the incorporation of the policy.
Trevor Bauer was on paid administrative leave between last July when the first allegation of sexual assault by a San Diego woman. Who requested a restraining order and essentially alleged that he took consensual rough sex too far over the course of two encounters last April and May. Allegations were made public until the suspension was announced on April 29.
However, Bauer is not going to be paid during the appeal process. Bauer’s three-year, $102m free agent deal with the Dodgers that runs through 2023.
