WATCH: Russell discusses his suspension, apologizes to former wife |
Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell spoke with the media Friday for around 19 minutes.
For the first time, Russell took several questions about his major league suspension for violating the league's domestic abuse policies. Addison Russell addressed the media for the first time since being suspended by the MLB for violating their domestic violence policy. pic.twitter.com/ivc30vQNiC Full press conference here: Addison Russell addresses the media from spring training. https://t.co/O6gQ6OF2Vy Addison addresses the media. “Through counseling I have a better understanding what domestic abuse is.” Says teammates have been supportive and apologizes for “the hurt and the pain I have caused Melisa.” pic.twitter.com/Z0TBxxaY9z Russell spoke directly, with no script, made eye contact with reporters who asked questions. Paused at times to gather thoughts. Russell when asked about potential fan reax/backlash: "I'm learning how to cope with my feelings and emotions, to handle adversity when I face them. Through my process and through my treatment I feel really confident that this issue should not come up again." Q: Why do you think you got a second chance? There were multiple phrases Addison Russell repeated when he addressed the media. He thanked people for certain questions and often made direct eye contact. So naturally, he was asked how long he prepared for this moment. Hardly a direct answer (like most of them), but here it is pic.twitter.com/E8gHT54SBz Addison says he realizes “the severity of this issue” and is committed to change. Apologizes to Cubs fans and says he’s “committed to becoming a better person.” “We will effectively co-parent our son.” Addison Russell: "Just to have the support of the organization for myself, my family and Melisa speaks to this organization. I myself am happy to be here and my family thanks this organization for having me here and giving me a second chance." Addison says “I am not proud of the person I once was.” He declines to get into specifics of his issues with domestic abuse and knows he’s not guaranteed anything from the Cubs. “I am fully committed to this process.” Russell; “I’ve had time to reflect. Through counseling I’ve come to understand what domestic abuse really is. ... I want to own my actions. ... I’m sorry for the hurt that I caused Melissa and the pain I put her through ...”
Addison Russell: I believe the organization and the people within the organization, also my teammates, see something in me that wants to come out. They see that I am determined and 110 percent committed into making myself better.
