“The extensive investigation included interviews with more than 15 individuals, in addition to Mr. Clevinger and the complainant, as well as a review of available documents, such as thousands of electronic communication records,” MLB said in a statement, adding that commissioner Rob Manfred will not discipline Clevinger as a result of the results.
Clevinger’s former partner publicized some of the allegations on social media in January. She alleged physical and verbal abuse and accused him of choking her and spitting chewing tobacco on their infant daughter.
Sunday’s statement said Clevinger agreed to “submit to evaluations by the joint treatment boards in accordance with the collectively bargained policies and to comply with any of the board’s recommendations.”
According to the policy agreed upon by MLB and the players union, the joint board “shall be responsible for evaluating and, where treatment is appropriate, monitoring the treatment of players who have committed or are alleged to have committed covered acts. It may also provide evaluation and treatment to players who voluntarily request the Board’s assistance.” This board includes an expert in domestic violence and/or child abuse, according to the policy. The board’s recommendations will not be published.
“I am pleased that Major League Baseball has concluded its investigation. I had nothing to hide and fully cooperated with MLB. This situation has been stressful for my family and I thank them for their strength and support,” Clevinger said in a statement through the Major League Baseball Players Association. “I asked everyone not to rush to judgment until MLB’s investigation was complete, and I appreciate everyone who had faith in me, including the White Sox organization and my teammates. I look forward to the 2023 season and helping the White Sox to win a championship this year.”
Clevinger, 32, has spent parts of six seasons in the big leagues. He worked his way back from Tommy John surgery to appear in 23 games with the San Diego Padres last season and then signed a one-year deal with the White Sox.
General Manager Rick Hahn said earlier this year that the team did not know MLB was investigating allegations against Clevinger when it signed him to a $12 million deal in December. Under the common policy, investigations are confidential.
When he reported to White Sox camp in February, Clevinger told reporters he had been under investigation for seven months. The allegations resulted in a San Diego police report in June, according to a copy obtained by The Washington Post. But Clevinger was not legally required to inform MLB teams of the allegations, so he kept them to himself.
“I understand why he did,” Hahn said then.
Hahn said the White Sox found “immaturity issues” when they investigated Clevinger’s background. They recalled that Cleveland demoted him after he violated coronavirus protocols in 2020, but he said the White Sox never encountered “anything close” to the allegations MLB investigated.
Clevinger has been a full participant in White Sox spring training. He is expected to make their starting rotation.