Ex-Rangers manager Washington resigned after cheating on wife

In a statement to the press, former Rangers manager Ron Washington told reporters that he cheated on his wife, Geraldine, which led to his resignation.

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington addressed the media for the first time since his resignation, telling reporters that the reason for his departure was that he had cheated on his wife, Geraldine. In a brief statement, Washington said that he "was not true to my wife" and apologized to her, the Rangers and the team's fans for his actions.

"I broke her trust," Washington said. "I’m here today to own that mistake and to apologize to her.

"I'm at a very low time in my life," he added. "I'm sorry for breaking my trust in my wife and for disappointing my players and my coaches."

The 62-year-old Washington, who did not take questions, asked that people respect his privacy, as well as that of his wife. "This matter is certainly personal, and we're trying hard to put it behind us," he said.

Washington had released a short statement to the press announcing his resignation on Sept. 5, citing personal reasons for leaving the team. He said his departure had nothing to do with the team's performance.

Entering Thursday, the Rangers (59-92) are in last place in the American League West. The team is 35 1/2 games back of the first-place Angels.

Washington had managed the Rangers since November 2006. Before that, he had served as a coach with the Oakland Athletics for 11 years.

- Sarah Barshop