SAN JUAN DE LA MAGUANA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop who awaits trial in a sexual abuse case, was granted supervised release Wednesday after being arrested and charged for illegally carrying a gun in his vehicle during an altercation in a parking lot in the Dominican Republic.
Dominican judge Viamerca Ruiz said Franco needs to report to court once a month while he is being investigated for carrying the firearm that was registered under his uncle’s name.
Franco, 23, was arrested Sunday after an argument broke out in a San Juan de la Maguana apartment complex parking lot. Another man and a woman also were detained in the confrontation. Two firearms were seized, police said.
“The gun has a license. … so there’s nothing illegal about it,” said Antonio Garcia Lorenzo, one of Franco’s lawyers. “We are asking for his release, pure and simple as that. They have already investigated the weapon, and it is not his, it has its owner.”
The attorney also said Franco was in San Juan de la Maguana “just to visit.”
A conviction for illegally possessing a firearm could call for a three- to five-year prison sentence.
Franco is scheduled to go to trial Dec. 12 in the northern province of Puerto Plata in a sexual abuse case involving a 14-year-old girl. He was also charged with sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking.
Franco was conditionally released Jan. 5, four days after his arrest on the abuse allegations.
Franco, who has refused to speak to the media, has said about the sexual abuse case: “Everything is in God’s hands.”
Franco was in his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021.
Tampa Bay placed him on the restricted list on July 10, cutting off the pay he had been receiving while on administrative leave.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
FILE - Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco watches from the dugout during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Aug. 13, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco appears before a judge on charges of carrying an illegal weapon, in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Millord)
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 50 points in a performance that left his San Antonio teammates and the opposition in awe.
Wembanyama shrugged, wondering when he will do better after the Spurs' 139-130 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
“Really, my first thought is, eventually I want the rest of our performances, the rest of our games to overshadow this one,” said Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 draft. “I wish, I want to make it so that in the future it’s just another one.”
It’s the pragmatism that has enabled Wembanyama to blossom into one of the league’s youngest superstars.
“Very impressive,” Spurs point guard Chris Paul said.
At 20 years 314 days, Wembanyama is the fourth-youngest player to score 50 points, trailing only Brandon Jennings (20/52), LeBron James (20/80) and Devin Booker (20/145).
“The big fella, man,” San Antonio wing Julian Champagnie said. “I mean obviously that’s not where it’s going to be every night, but when he comes out with that mindset, man, it’s hard to, it’s hard (for the opposition). Big praise to him, big shout out to him. He’s working on his game.
“So, we’re super proud of him and that’s what we expect from him.”
Wembanyama was 8 for 16 on 3-pointers, establishing a career high after setting and tying that mark with six 3-pointers in his previous two games.
Wembanyama started quickly against the Wizards, hitting 3-pointers from 25 and 28 feet as the Spurs raced to a 13-3 lead.
“Probably not (played against anyone) who does everything on a high level,” Washington center Jonas Valanciunas said. “Them shots, the 3-point shots, we did everything to take that away, but he still managed them.”
Wembanyama had 24 points in the first half, his highest production in a first half, and then matched his highest production for any half with 26 in the final two quarters against the Wizards.
Wembanyama is the first player in league history with 20 3-pointers and 25 blocks over a six-game span.
Wembanyama is the eighth player in San Antonio franchise history to score 50 points in a game. David Robinson holds the franchise record with 71 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 24, 1994.
That accomplishment may mean something later, but Wembanyama was already focused on the game Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers to open the Emirates NBA Cup.
“I love to celebrate the small wins and the big wins for a short amount of time, but tomorrow, we’re already locked in on the Lakers,” Wembanyama said.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, right, passes to Spurs guard Blake Wesley during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 139-130. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, second from left, speaks with Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 139-130. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives against Washington Wizards' Kyle Kuzma during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 139-130. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
