Former MLB All-Star Omar Vizquel has spoken out for the first time in over two years since facing accusations of sexual harassment by an autistic batboy. The 56-year-old, known for his stellar career in baseball, was accused of ‘sexually aggressive behavior’ while managing the Chicago White Sox’s Class AA team in Alabama in 2019.
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The allegations emerged in 2021, following previous accusations of domestic abuse in late 2020. The former batboy filed a lawsuit, claiming Vizquel engaged in inappropriate conduct, including demanding that the batboy wash his back. The White Sox initially suspended Vizquel, later dismissing him at the end of the season.
In an interview with USA Today, Vizquel broke his silence, insisting that it was all a ‘huge misunderstanding.’ While he did not delve into the specifics of the case, Vizquel asserted that his ‘conscience is clean.’
‘I’m glad I’m able to talk now because a lot of things people were saying weren’t accurate,’ he stated. ‘My conscience is clean and clear that I’m not the kind of person that they are saying about Omar.’
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Vizquel expressed frustration over not being able to address the allegations earlier, stating that his lawyer advised him to let the legal process unfold before speaking out. He emphasized that justice prevailed in his case, with no charges brought against him.
‘I wish I could have spoken earlier, but my lawyer told me: “Do not say anything about it. Let the legal process play out. Your time to talk is going to come,”‘ Vizquel explained. ‘You see what happened. Justice spoke. There wasn’t something they could charge against me. There was nothing there. They took a look at everything. It was (a) huge misunderstanding. I’m a big believer in God, and God spoke.’
Vizquel hopes that by sharing his side of the story, he can clear his name and correct any misconceptions. He emphasized the pain caused by hearing inaccurate information about himself in the media.
The retired Venezuelan shortstop, who played for various teams during his career, hinted at having signed an ‘agreement’ with his accuser. While he acknowledged regrettable words, he emphasized that the portrayed image of him in the press did not align with his values and integrity.
In late 2020, Vizquel faced domestic violence accusations from his estranged wife, Blanca Garcia Vizquel. She claimed abuse in 2011 and 2016, stating she left him out of fear for her safety. Vizquel vehemently denied these claims, asserting, ‘I have never hit or been violent towards my wife, Blanca.’
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