The MLB is conducting a probe into accusations made against Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger.
Clevinger, alleged to have violated the league’s domestic violence policy, stands accused of physically abusing his girlfriend, Olivia Finestead. Olivia, an Instagram model, also claims Clevinger has emotionally abused all three of his children.
The accuser has been in touch with the MLB since the starting pitcher was with the San Diego Padres last season, per The Athletic. She has since agreed to be named by said publication and has also mentioned her allegations in a series of stories on her Instagram account this week.
“I hope the @MLB does what they should and puts him in required therapy maybe even a small suspensions (sic) so he can take time out to really think about why he abuses his kids and their mothers,” one read.
Clevinger, who’s been in the league for seven years, has been accused of “several acts of domestic violence and child abuse,” which includes throwing chewing tobacco at a screaming infant.
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“Mike emphatically denies the accusations made by Ms. Finestead,” Jay Reisinger, an attorney representing the player, wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
“He has never harmed Ms. Finestead or his daughter. 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.”
The White Sox signed Clevinger to a one-year deal worth $12 million in November. They insisted they were unaware of the allegations when they signed him.
“Major League Baseball and the Chicago White Sox take any and all allegations very seriously, and the White Sox are completely supportive of the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy shared by MLB and the MLBPA,” the team said in a statement.
“MLB opened an investigation after learning of these allegations. 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.”
The Padres have also released a statement, which reads: “We are aware of MLB’s investigation and completely support their efforts under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy. Due to the ongoing investigative process, we cannot comment any further at this time.”
