Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger accused of domestic violence, MLB pursues investigation


Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger accused of domestic violence, MLB pursues investigation

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger has come under scrutiny for an alleged case of domestic violence by him. Olivia Finestead, his former partner, has revealed in a long rant through her Instagram post about the alleged abuse that Clevinger used to inflict upon her.

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The former San Diego Padres man might have had a decent year in 2022. However, his career might now dip down south with these new allegations. Furthermore, there have been allegations of the pitcher abusing his 10-month-old daughter.

As the Athletic Magazine reports, Finestead had contacted MLB’s Department of Investigation last summer to account for these actions of Clevinger. As per the report, the allegations involve Clevinger choking Finestead, slapping her, and acting extremely abusive toward their 10-month-old daughter. Finestead stated an incident where Clevinger had allegedly spat chewing tobacco on his daughter.

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Mike Clevinger accused of domestic and child abuse by ex-girlfriend Olivia Finestead

Mike Clevinger [Source: Public Domain]

Chicago White Sox has released a statement wherein they have addressed this issue. In the statement, the team writes,  “The White Sox were not aware of the allegations or the investigation at the time of his signing. The White Sox will refrain from comment until MLB’s investigative process has reached its conclusion.”

Jay Reisinger, Clevinger’s lawyer, has also released a statement on behalf of his client. In the statement, the White Sox pitcher ’emphatically denies’ the accusations that Olivia Finestead made. In the statement, Reisinger further states, “We will not comment on Ms. Finestead’s motive for bringing these false allegations. Her baseless threats and accusations over the last few months have regrettably escalated, culminating most recently in deeply disturbing threats toward Mike and Mike’s family. Her threats and her pattern of abusive behavior are well documented. The simple truth is that Mike has done nothing wrong. He is a loving and caring father. We have advised Mike not to comment on this matter.”

Before this, Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was also under investigation for sexual assault claims that proved to be true. Bauer was suspended for 194 games last April and was recently released by the Dodgers from their roster.

Mike Clevinger’s playing career in the MLB

Mike Clevinger [Credits: Friars on Base]

Mike Clevinger started his MLB career debuting for the Cleveland Indians in 2016. He has appeared in 17 games for the Indians and has had 10 starts. He faced immense criticism from MLB fans for violating COVID-19 safety protocols in 2020. This also resulted in him being placed on the restricted list by the Indians alongside teammate Zach Plesac. The duo has also faced significant backlash for their unruly behavior towards Óliver Pérez and for exposing Carlos Carrasco, a leukemia patient, to the coronavirus.

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Clevinger was a regular starter with the San Diego Padres and had signed a two-year contract worth around $8.5 million in 2020. He had to undergo a Tommy John surgery in 2021, thus missing the entirety of the season. In December 2022, Clevinger signed an $ 8 million contract with the Chicago White Sox with a mutual option of $12 million for the 2024 season or a $4 million buyout.

Seems like Mike Clevinger’s MLB journey will have a significant impact with these allegations surfacing against him.

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