In Brief
[naviga:h3]Cubs’ Russell accused of domestic violence[/naviga:h3]
CHICAGO — Major League Baseball is looking into a domestic violence accusation against Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell.
His wife, Melisa, posted a photo Wednesday on Instagram with a caption suggesting he was unfaithful to her. In another post, a user named (at)carlierreed — described by Melisa as a close friend — accused Russell of “mentally and physically abusing her.” The posts have been deleted.
Russell issued a statement that said: “Any allegation I have abused my wife is false and hurtful. For the well-being of my family, I’ll have no further comment.”
[naviga:h3]Oregon St. pitcher pleads guilty[/naviga:h3]
PORTLAND, Ore. — Luke Heimlich, a standout pitcher for Oregon State’s top-ranked baseball team, pleaded guilty to a single count of molesting a 6-year-old girl when he was a teenager.
Heimlich’s criminal history was reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive a day or two before he’s slated to pitch in this weekend’s regional final against Vanderbilt. The winner advances to the College World Series.
The left-hander from Puyallup, Wash., is projected to be an early round pick in next week’s Major League Baseball draft.
[naviga:h3]Ex-NFL receiver found dead in river[/naviga:h3]
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Authorities say former NFL wide receiver James Hardy has been found dead in a river in northeast Indiana.
The Allen County Coroner’s Office says the 31-year-old’s body was identified, but that the cause and manner of death are still being investigated.
The coroner says the former Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens player was reported missing a few weeks ago by relatives. His body was discovered Wednesday in the Maumee River in Fort Wayne.