MLB, Rangers Investigating Alleged Sexual Assault Involving Academy Players

Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers are reportedly investigating an alleged sexual assault involving multiple players at the Rangers' academy in the Dominican Republic.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal first reported on Nov. 17 that the alleged assault involved four players from the Rangers' academy. 

The Rangers released a statement on Nov. 17 confirming they are cooperating with MLB during the investigation, per Rosenthal:

"

The Texas Rangers became aware of an incident at our Academy in the Dominican Republic and we acted promptly to open an investigation. We have reported the incident and are cooperating fully with Major League Baseball and the authorities in the Dominican Republic. With this being an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment at this time.

"

"A court in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday ordered four Texas Rangers players under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting six younger teammates to remain in the country, appear for questioning and undergo psychological testing," Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News reported on Wednesday. Fraley continued:

"

The players were identified by the Attorney General's office as  Guillermo Villarreal, Yohel Pozo, Adrian Pernalete and Rougned Jose Odor, the younger brother of Rangers' second baseman Rougned Roberto Odor. Pozo and Odor are 19. Villarreal and Pernalete are 18.

[...]

The alleged activity, part of a hazing of the younger players, all of whom are 16, took place at the Rangers training complex in Boca Chica last month.  A staffer at the academy received a video of the activity, and the club immediately notified the Dominican authorities and Major League Baseball.

The court also ordered the players' passports be seized.

"

Citing sources, Rosenthal reported the players allegedly involved were placed on administrative leave under the guidelines of the minor league domestic violence policy. They will reportedly remain on leave until the investigation is complete.

According to a 2011 article from ESPN.com's Richard Durrett, the Rangers' academy—like several in the Dominican Republic—is designed to immerse developing players in baseball on an all-day basis. 

"It's a 24/7 baseball environment," Rangers field coordinator Jayce Tingler said at the time. "We have a chance to teach them, get them game experience, help them learn English and make them stronger."