Chicago Cubs: Addison Russell’s harrowing fall from grace

Chicago Cubs: Time to move forward for both sides

The MLB investigation has now concluded, suspending Russell for 40 games, retroactive to Sept. 21. Whether or not we ever see Addison Russell in a Chicago Cubs uniform again seems unlikely, at best.

It’s been a rapid and precipitous fall for the still-only 24-year-old infielder. From high school standout to first overall pick, Addison Russell had the world at his fingertips. Instead of changing his life – and the lives of those around him – for the better, he went in a dark direction.

There’s no excuse for what he has put his loved ones through. Countless young fans will never look at Russell the same way again – and with good reason. He betrayed not only their trust, but the trust of those around him.

He seemed destined to be one of the game’s great middle infielders. Instead, he’s little more than a disgraced former top prospect who is no longer best known for what he did on the diamond, but rather off it.