February 10th, 2022 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka For those who work (or worked) in law enforcement and are familiar with ‘the system,’ there was zero doubt from Day-1 that felony charges would not be filed against just-turned 31-year-old (on January 17) Dodgers right-hander Trevor Bauer.
It’s not that the North Hollywood, CA native and first-round draft pick (third overall) in 2011 out of UCLA wasn’t involved in some type of illicit sexual activity, it’s just that it would have been difficult – if not impossible – for prosecutors to prove what was consensual and what was not “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is burden of proof required under California law. It is also safe to assume that defense attorneys would have had a field day cross-examining Bauer’s accuser on the witness stand.
Although there it is still a chance that the Pasadena City Attorneys office could file misdemeanor charges against Bauer, that, too, seems very unlikely.
But then there’s Major League Baseball, who will be conducting their own investigation into the matter, albeit not a criminal investigation. As such, Bauer could be facing anything from no disciplinary action at all, to a fine or suspension, up to a lifetime ban from ever playing again.
But what if MLB decides not to ban or even suspend the former Hart High School phenom? What if he is allowed to ‘Play Ball?’ Would Dodgers ownership or President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman even allow Bauer to don a Dodgers uniform again … ever?
Not if LA Times sportswriter Bill Plaschke, who tweeted this out on Tuesday afternoon, had anything to do with it:
(Photo credit – D. Ross Cameron)
After Tuesday’s announcement, MLB said in a statement that their investigation “…is ongoing, and we will comment further at the appropriate time.“
The Dodgers, who are on the hook for $47 million to Bauer in 2022, declined to comment, indicating that they would not do so until MLB concludes their investigation, which isn’t likely until the MLB lockout ends and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is ratified.
But what about you? What is your take on all of this? If MLB deems that Trevor Bauer can play again, should the Dodgers allow him to?
Fire away.
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Posted in 
@Dodgers Kobe was allowed to play.
I don’t think the Dodgers have a choice once MLB says Bauer can play.
Like him or not, I have to agree with you on this.
That said, there probably isn’t another team out there that would be willing to take on his insane contract with all of his “baggage.” Then again, MLB could still ban him for life, although I don’t think they will.
Stay tuned…
Houston Astros will take anyone who is talented (and willing to cheat?) — they traded for Robert Osuna.
@Dodgers Not only no but hell no! Move on Dodgers!
Friedman screwed the pooch signing him to that ridiculous contract. Big stain on a pretty good resume.
I have no problem with Bauer pitching for the Dodgers if he is not suspended.
Bauer will be the Dodgers 3 starter and should be given a chance to play and straighten out his life. Time to clean up his act and show some humility.
Can’t wait to see him pitch for the Dodgers again. I feel ripped off by what happened last year.
You heard from his own mouth what happened. Look at all the facts. The big one that stands out to me is why the hell would she spend the night and then drive 120+ miles from Pasadena to San Diego if what she claimed actually happened to her. She lied on court documents. That’s enough for me.
She drove to Bauer’s house TWICE. It’s hard to call yourself a victim when you willingly choose to repeat the experience. That doesn’t excuse Bauer from what he did to her or the lady from Ohio or anyone else he has berated on social media. Rob Manfred will need to do the right thing (I know that’s a tall order) and give Bauer a long suspension.
@Dodgers He should never put a major league uniform on again.
For me, I don’t have all of the facts, only what I have read and heard through the media and internet. I believe in the principal “innocent until proven guilty.”
As noted in the piece, California law requires that the prosecution must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” There is no way on earth that they would have been able to do so with her lack of credibility – i.e., what was consensual and what was not. This is the sole reason why he was not charged with a felony in this case.
I spent considerable time at the Pasadena DA’s office during my career and found that they were, for the most part, quite competent. There is zero doubt in my mind that even though the Pasadena PD detectives assigned this case did a very thorough investigation (under heavy scrutiny from above), even they knew that this was what we called ‘a can of worms‘ and that a felony filing would be rejected by the DA (also under heavy scrutiny from above).
That said, and as noted in the article, misdemeanor charges could still be filed, although it would be very unlikely, as the burden of proof is exactly the same.
No one will argue that Bauer is ‘a tool‘ (as they say), but keep in mind that Kobe Bryant was allowed to return to play after his somewhat similar case.
Here again, like him or not, unless MLB bans Bauer for life (which is very unlikely), it is my belief that he will be in the Dodgers starting rotation in 2022 (if there is a 2022 season, that is). That being said, the boos he will receive every time he takes the mound will be deafening.