Giants CEO Larry Baer Suspended By Major League Baseball Through July 1

Major League Baseball has decided to suspend San Francisco Giants President and CEO Larry Baer after video of a public fight with his wife went viral online earlier this month.

The league announced Tuesday that Baer would be suspended without pay through July 1 in connection with the incident on March 1.

"Based on my review of the results of the investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Baer's conduct was unacceptable under MLB policies and warrants discipline," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement released on Twitter. "In determining the appropriate level of discipline, I find that Mr. Baer should be held to a higher standard because as a leader he is expected to be a role model for others in his organization and community. Based on my conversation with Mr. Baer, it is clear that he regrets what transpired and takes responsibility for his conduct."

The suspension will be backdated to March 4, the same day when Baer took a leave of absence from the team. Baer must also undergo an evaluation by an expert who will determine a counseling plan.

"The Club shall be operated by an interim control person appointed by the ownership group in consultation with the Commissioner. Baer will be required to undergo an evaluation by an expert to determine an appropriate treatment and counseling plan," the league said.

Shortly after the suspension was announced, Baer issued a statement through the San Francisco Giants:

“I respect and accept the Commissioner’s decision, and appreciate the fair and thorough process undertaken by MLB and the Giants.

I made a serious mistake that I sincerely regret and I am truly sorry for my actions. My unacceptable behavior fell well short of what must be demanded of every person, particularly someone in my position and role in the community.

I will now immediately begin the significant work ahead of me to listen and learn from my mistakes and to seek professional advice. I am committed to doing what it takes to earn the trust and respect of the many people impacted by my actions.”

The suspension stemmed from a 15-second video posted online on March 1 in which Baer and his wife are seen in San Francisco Plaza. At one point in the video, Baer can be seen lunging for a phone in his wife Pamela's hands.

Pamela can be heard screaming, "Oh my God, no, help!"

A second video shows Baer walking around the plaza saying, "Stop, Pam, stop," while Pamela can be heard in the background, "Oh my God. Oh my God.":

The witness who recorded the video later the couple were having a "very emotional conversation" that turned into an argument. When the apparent assault happened, the bystander says he and several other men stepped up to help break it up.

A few hours after the video began to go viral, Baer told the San Francisco Chronicle that he and his wife had an "unfortunate public argument related to a family member & she had an injured foot and she fell off the chair in the course of the argument."

Baer released a statement shortly after the incident in which he apologized to his wife, children and the Giants organization.

"It is not reflective of the kind of a person that I aspire to be, but it happened and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I never behave in such an inappropriate manner again."


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