Ron Washington said he resigned as the manager of the Texas Rangers earlier this month because he was unfaithful to his wife.
On Sept. 5, the Texas Rangers announced Washington had resigned as manager, effective immediately. At the time, no reason was given for Washington’s departure other than that it was to address an off-the-field matter.
On Thursday, Washington cleared up some of the speculation when he said that after more than four decades of marriage he had cheated on his wife.
“I made a mistake and I’m embarrassed, more than I’ve ever been in my life. I don’t run when I make a mistake. And when you put yourself in situations you own it. Those are the type of things my wife would always say to me,” Washington said. “I was not true to my wife. After 42 years, I broke her trust. I’m here today to own that mistake and to apologize to her and to those I disappointed, and those who have trusted in me and I let them down.”
Washington offered no further details about the dalliance and did not reveal whom he cheated with.
Washington talked about telling his wife to quit her job when he was 22 years old when he said he figured out the game and felt he had “arrived.”
“Today, I’m at a very low time in my life. I’m sorry for breaking the trust that I had with my wife and for disappointing my players, for disappointing my coaches, for disappointing Major League Baseball and for disappointing the Texas Rangers. All I ask is for your forgiveness and your understanding. I also ask that you respect our privacy as we go on with our lives. This matter is certainly personal, and we’re trying hard to put it behind us.”
After his announcement, Washington took no questions from the media. He walked over toward the exit door, put an arm around his wife and walked out the door.
