MLB Suspends Giants CEO Larry Baer Without Pay

Updated 3:20 p.m.

Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that San Francisco Giants President and CEO Larry Baer has been suspended without pay for his actions in a physical altercation with his wife on March 1 that was caught on video.

The league, in a statement, said Baer's leave of absence, which began on March 4, has been converted to an unpaid suspension that will last through July 1.

The punishment comes after an MLB investigation ordered by league Commissioner Rob Manfred.

"I have concluded that Mr. Baer's conduct was unacceptable under MLB policies and warrants discipline," Manfred said.

"In determining the appropriate level of discipline, I find that Mr. Baer should be held to a higher standard because as a leader he is expected to be a role model for others in his organization and community."

The league also said Baer will be required to undergo an evaluation by an expert to determine a treatment and counseling plan for him.

Last week, San Francisco prosecutors announced that they would not file charges against Baer in connection with the incident in which his wife, Pam Baer, fell to the ground in a struggle over a cellphone in a plaza in the city's Hayes Valley neighborhood.

Days after the video emerged, the team announced that Baer was temporarily stepping aside from day-to-day control of the team. The Giants board of directors said it had asked its executive team to take over those responsibilities.

Baer issued a statement through the team Tuesday morning.

"I respect and accept the Commissioner's decision, and appreciate the fair and thorough process undertaken by MLB and the Giants. I made a serious mistake that I sincerely regret and I am truly sorry for my actions," the statement said.

"My unacceptable behavior fell well short of what must be demanded of every person, particularly someone in my position and role in the community," Baer said. "I will now immediately begin the significant work ahead of me to listen and learn from my mistakes and to seek professional advice. I am committed to doing what it takes to learn the trust and respect of the many people impacted by my actions."

Giants executives said they agree with the suspension.

"We share the Commissioner's concern and disappointment in Mr. Baer's conduct as it does not represent the values of the Giants organization," said a statement from the team's board of directors.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed said in a statement that MLB's decision to suspend Baer "sent a clear message that violence against women is unacceptable in any form."

"When an incident occurs like the one we all saw on video involving Mr. Baer and his wife, people must be held accountable, no matter who they are or what their job title may be," Breed's statement continued. "I want to recognize the women from our advocacy community who stood up on behalf of the victims of domestic violence to call for a stronger public reaction to this incident, and for the work they do every day."

Andrea Shorter, a coordinator with Do What's Right MLB, a local coalition formed in response to the incident, approved of the suspension.

"We want to have a higher standard. And I think that the MLB has responded accordingly," Shorter said. "When there is an infraction that is involving violence or a physical altercation in response to an argument, that sends a message."

The team said that during Baer's suspension, Giants executives will manage daily operations and will report to Rob Dean, who has been designated as acting CEO.

KQED's Peter Jon Shuler contributed to this report.