As we know, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop is in hot water as he faces accusations of sexual abuse of a minor in his native Dominican Republic.
But his setbacks will not stop at the borders of his country.
Indeed, according to two immigration lawyers who have worked with major league players and clubs, Franco will likely not be allowed to enter the United States.
This is what Javad Khazaeli, a former US Immigration and Customs Enforcement prosecutor who now works in private practice, argues, among others.
Short of a complete exoneration in this case, where it turns out the whole thing was made up, I don't see it coming back anytime soon, if ever.
Franco's presence at spring camp and his availability for at least the start of the 2024 season therefore seem in danger, even before major baseball considers any action.
Even though a judge in the Dominican Republic ruled last Friday that Franco was free to leave the country but must return once a month to appear before authorities, that does not guarantee entry into the United States for 'America.
The US government could revoke Franco's visa on the grounds that he may be considered a threat to public safety based on the allegations against him.
If Franco is unable to enter the United States by the Stingrays' opening game, the Stingrays would have no choice but to place him on the restrictive list, preventing him from be paid, since he could not fulfill the obligations of his contract.
In this case, the Dominican would lose the remaining $174 million on the eleven-year, $182 million contract he signed in November 2021.
