At least eight employees of the Detroit Tigers have been accused of misconduct toward women since 2023, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.
The media outlet’s investigation began in April and included interviews with 45 current and former employees as well as access to emails, text messages, court filings and human resources records.
The eight men named by The Athletic include four vice presidents, with allegations ranging from offensive remarks to physical confrontations.
Seven of the men were accused of mistreating women employed by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which operates the Tigers, the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and other businesses. Six of the men have either resigned, been fired or not had their contracts renewed.
“We are committed to a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion,” Ilitch Sports and Entertainment said in a statement Wednesday in response to the report. “We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment, and when concerns are raised, we investigate promptly and take decisive action, which has included terminating employees for misconduct, regardless of seniority or tenure.”
Among the men named in the report, former Tigers assistant general manager Sam Menzin resigned in April after allegedly sending unsolicited, lewd photos to multiple female employees; and former sales vice president Michael Lienert quit in 2023 after allegedly shoving a female co-worker. Neither responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
“The dysfunction is woven into the culture. It feels like a bunch of guys who can do whatever they want,” a current male employee told The Athletic. “It’s not a place women can feel safe.”
The Tigers entered Wednesday with an 8 1/2-game lead in the American League Central, closing in on their first division title since 2014.
