Ron Washington left Rangers due to infidelity

Ron Washington revealed Thursday that he “was not true” to his wife after 42 years of marriage, and that was behind his decision to step down from the Texas Rangers’ managerial position he held since 2006. Washington held a press conference in a Dallas-area hotel to finally reveal why he had stepped down from a job he’s been successful in for years.

“Today I’m at a very low time in my life,” Washington said. “I’m sorry for disappointing my wife, for disappointing my players, disappointing my coaches ... the Texas Rangers.”

Washington closed by saying he looks forward to getting back into the game and continuing his career.

The past few weeks were full of questions, as Washington did not reveal the specific reason for his resignation initially. Rangers’ general manager Jon Daniels had said that Washington was comfortable allowing the team to admit that the move was not drug-related, as he had previously tested positive for cocaine use in 2009, while Washington himself said it had nothing to do with the poor performance of the Rangers. ESPN reported that it was not health-related, and Gerry Fraley reported on Thursday morning that Washington had hired two crisis management firms.

“I have submitted my resignation from the job I love -- managing the Rangers -- in order to devote my full attention to addressing an off-the-field personal matter,” Washington said in a statement on Sept. 5. “As painful as it is, stepping away from the game is what’s best for me and my family.”

The Rangers have suffered through one of their worst seasons in recent memory, and appear on their way to securing the number one overall draft pick in 2015 thanks to a boatload of injuries resulting in an impotent offense and the second-worst pitching staff in baseball. Despite all this, Washington was not thought to be on the hot seat when he announced his departure.