The Japan Times - Ex-Dodgers ace Bauer and accuser halt lawsuits: attorneys

Bauer, whose Major League Baseball career was derailed by the allegations, has dropped a defamation lawsuit against his accuser, who in turn has halted a countersuit alleging battery.

Lawyers for Bauer said the former National League Cy Young award winner's settlement did not involve any payment to his accuser.

"Mr Bauer did not make -- and never has made -- any payments to (his accuser) including to resolve their litigation," attorneys Shawn Holley and Jon Fetterolf said.

"With this matter now at rest, Mr Bauer can focus completely on baseball."

In a video posted on his social media channels on Monday following the settlement, Bauer said he hoped to put the case behind him.

"Over the last two years, I've been forced to defend my integrity and my reputation in a very public setting," he said.

"Hopefully this is the last time I have to do so as I prefer to just remain focused on doing my job winning baseball games and entertaining fans around the world.

"So today I'm happy to be moving on with my life."

Bauer was originally placed on paid administrative leave on July 2, 2021, days after his California accuser filed for a temporary restraining order against him.

She alleged he choked her to unconsciousness and then punched her repeatedly in the head.

Bauer denied any wrongdoing, with his attorney and representatives saying all the encounters were entirely consensual.

Los Angeles prosecutors later said they would not press charges against Bauer, citing insufficient evidence.

However, the 32-year-old was later judged to be in violation of MLB's sexual assault and domestic violence policy.

He was initially hit with a two-season 324-game ban in April of last year.

However, Bauer subsequently appealed that MLB ruling, and his suspension was slashed to 194 games, making him eligible to return this season.

The Dodgers cut their ties with Bauer in January, though, and the pitcher subsequently moved to resurrect his career in Japan with the Yokohama BayStars.

Y.Ishikawa--JT