Addison Russell speaks publicly for first time since suspension

MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell didn't go into specifics about what led to his 40-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic abuse policies, though he took ownership of his past actions while committing to becoming a "better person."

"These past few months have been a productive few months," Russell said on Friday from Cubs camp. "I've been doing the league-mandated treatment, and also participating in voluntary counseling as well.

"Through that counseling, I have learned to better identify my feelings and emotions, learning how to handle adversity and challenges whenever I'm faced with them."

Russell took questions from reporters for about 20 minutes,…