Ex Rangers manager Washington issues statement, apology to wife

IRVING, Texas — Former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington says he is embarrassed for breaking the trust of his wife of 42 years.

While offering no details, Washington publicly apologized to his wife and the Rangers during a 3 1/2-minute statement Thursday. It was his first public comment since abruptly resigning 13 days earlier.

Washington’s wife, Gerry, sat in a chair to the side of the podium with an attorney. They left without taking questions, with Washington putting his right hand on her right shoulder as they departed through a back door.

The 62-year-old Washington led the Rangers to their only two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. He was nearing the end of his eighth season, and was expected back in 2015, when he stepped down Sept. 5.