The Cubs announced on Friday that Ian Stewart was suspended without pay for 10 games for violating the loyalty clause in his contract. Stewart started serving his suspension on Wednesday following the team announcing on Tuesday that he would be suspended for the statements he made on Twitter.
Ian Stewart has since deleted his Twitter account and has left the team.
According to a report from ESPN Chicago, the two sides are discussing “a way for Stewart to leave the team while giving the Cubs salary relief” on the $2 million contract he signed in the off-season. The Tribune reported Friday that the Cubs have no intention of releasing Stewart and paying the remainder of his contract. According to the report, “the Cubs are trying to negotiate an out in which Stewart would be granted his free agency without getting the rest of his salary.”
Stewart apologized for his actions prior to deleting his Twitter account.
According to multiple reports, Stewart has appealed the suspension that will cost him more than $110,000 if it is upheld.
According to the Sun-Times, the union is in the process of appealing the suspension. It is unlikely that the unpaid suspension will be upheld.