Rays' Wander Franco's sex abuse trial postponed after nearly every witness fails to show
'Fox Across America' host Jimmy Failla on Biden not sharing a D-Day message until nighttime, Tampa Bay Rays players' refusal to wear Pride jerseys and a Texas lawmaker pushing to ban children from attending drag shows.
The sex abuse trial of Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco was supposed to commence Thursday. But it was delayed until June after 28 of 31 witnesses expected to testify were absent.
Franco has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. His trial is scheduled to resume June 2, 2025.
Dominican Judge Yacaira Veras postponed the trial at the request of prosecutors due to the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Only three of 31 witnesses arrived for the trial Thursday.
Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco throws to first base in the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., July 25, 2023. (Jonathan Dyer/USA Today Sports)
"There is no case against Wander. For as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now," Franco’s lead lawyer, Teodosio Jáquez, told The Associated Press.
The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment.
The 23-year-old shortstop said his career is not over yet, that he wants justice to be done and that "everything is in God’s hands."
ROGER GOODELL SAYS JAY-Z'S RELATIONSHIP WITH LEAGUE REMAINS INTACT AMID SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS
Franco appeared upset when reporters asked if his MLB career was over.
"I