Cubs SS Starlin Castro talks with police in assault case

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro said Friday that he has cooperated with authorities investigating an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman last fall.

The 21-year-old Castro has not been charged with a crime, and police have declined comment. His attorneys have said the allegations are baseless and a report surfaced that Castro had spoken with authorities this week after he returned to the United States.

“I personally, and through my attorneys, have fully cooperated with the police in this matter,” Castro said in a statement released by the Cubs. “Unfortunately, I cannot address the matter further at this time while the investigation is taking place. I understand that being a member of the Cubs means being a hard worker on the field and a good citizen off the field, and I always want to carry myself in a way that exceeds high expectations.”

Castro was expected to be on hand this week at the annual “Cubs Convention,” where players, coaches and executives mingle with fans. The team has not said whether he will be at spring training next month.

Castro was chosen to the All-Star team last year in his first full major league season when he batted .307 and led the National League with 207 hits. The Cubs are expected to build their team around the young star who made his major league debut in May 2010. Chicago signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

Castro’s attorneys last week said the allegation is false.

“We are aware of certain allegations that have been made against our client, Starlin Castro. We have thoroughly investigated this matter, and we are confident that these allegations are baseless,” attorneys Jay Reisinger and Michael Gillespie said in an emailed statement. “Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we cannot comment any further.”

The attorneys did not immediately return messages left seeking comment Friday.