Overview

• Derek Bender, a former Minnesota Twins minor leaguer, denies allegations that he tipped pitches to opponents during a September game.
• The accusations surfaced after the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels were eliminated from playoff contention in the Florida State League.
• Bender claims comments about wanting the season to end were jokes and insists he never intentionally gave opponents an advantage.
• The Twins reportedly offered to retain Bender if he admitted guilt and apologized, but he refused, citing his character as the reason.
• Bender plans to play for the independent Brockton Rox this summer while awaiting the outcome of MLB's ongoing investigation.