Former Texas Rangers skipper 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 Ron Washington had resigned as manager of the Texas Rangers, 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, Skipper Wash 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 types 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.
Washington thanked the Rangers for allowing him to manage in Texas and said he is looking to the future, getting back in the game and continuing his career.
Washington then thanked the Texas Rangers fans.
"I want to give a final thanks to the fans, Texas Ranger fans. You've been good to me and I'll miss the Metroplex and I will miss you."
Washington's wife, Gerry, and an attorney sat in chairs to the side of the podium in the hotel meeting room more than 15 miles from the Rangers' ballpark. They left without taking questions, with Washington putting his right hand on her right shoulder as they departed through a back door.
Washington was appointed as the Texas Rangers 17th full-time manager on Nov, 6, 2006. He led the Rangers to their only two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. The team's winningest manager was nearing the end of his eighth season, and was expected back in 2015, when he stepped down.
he Rangers had no response to Washington's statement Thursday, saying any inquiries regarding the situation should be directed to the former manager.
Bench coach Tim Bogar was appointed interim manager for the remainder of the 2014 season.
Associated Press sports writer Stephen Hawkins contributed to this report
