The sports story of the day was the fact the Cleveland Indians are now the Cleveland Guardians. But another monumental story was playing out as Trevor Bauer appeared in court regarding the restraining order currently in place against him.
As most know now, Bauer allegedly committed assault against a woman earlier this year. He is claiming it was consensual rough sex, while her side is alleging assault took place. For now, the issue at hand is the restraining order in place.
The hearing on the matter began Friday, after some delay, and a recess was called after some time.
Bauer's administrative leave from the Dodgers extends through July 27. MLB and the MLBPA expected to discuss an extension. https://t.co/w3ZC3Z2GDY
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 23, 2021
Trevor Bauer legal hearing still has a lot of time to go
A recess was called and now the hearing will stretch into August. Reports from the courtroom claimed he is going to have to testify, even if he pleads the Fifth Amendment
Trevor Bauer’s legal team has advised him not to testify at the Aug. 2 hearing regarding a temporary restraining order issued against him. Petitioners argued he has to take the stand anyway. Restraining order remains in place until then.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 23, 2021
Let’s circle back to a baseball-centric viewpoint here. It now definitely looks like Bauer will not be back on the mound this year. His legal battle will now stretch deep into August, and that is before any criminal investigations or MLB concluding its own internal investigations.
A legal situation taking this long is nothing new. It just does not bode well with the MLB calendar. The Dodgers have already started to distance themselves from him and it would be a shock if his administrative leave ended before this hearing ultimately concludes.
Some fans may have been expecting concrete answers today. That did not happen and now the next focus in this hearing is if Bauer chooses to openly testify or not.