Texas Rangers Prospects Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Underage Teammate in Hazing Incident

Eight Texas Rangers prospects are being questioned by police after allegedly sexually assaulting an underage teammate in a hazing incident.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Eight Texas Rangers prospects were questioned by police in the Dominican Republic in response to a video showing an underage teammate being sexually assaulted in a hazing incident, according to Yahoo! Sports. Prosecutors will reportedly charge at least four players, including their top catching prospect, Yohel Pozo, 19, and the 19-year-old brother of Rangers' second baseman, Rougned Odor. All players involved in the investigation have been told to not leave the country. 

In a 10-second Snapchat clip posted last month, at least four people can be seen as the alleged victim "laying on a bed with his arms held behind his back and his legs pinned down" wearing a Rangers shirt and shorts is being masturbated, perYahoo! Sports. Everyone was reportedly laughing in the video. The alleged sexual assault is one of many hazing incidents which occur to those players of Venezuelan and Colombian descent at the team's complex in the Dominican Republic. Other instances of hazing include shaving the head of another player, forcing a player to take off their clothes, and another investigation regarding a forced masturbation allegation. 

The Rangers were reportedly made aware of the incident by a staff member in the team’s Dominican complex after being informed by a player in the facility. Major League Baseball has responded by placing the four players possibly facing charges on administrative leave, and launching an investigation of their own. The Rangers have also released the following statement: 

“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.”

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.

Latest in Sports