Report: Eight Detroit Tigers Executives Accused of Misconduct Toward Women

A new report by The Athletic says at least eight high-ranking male employees connected to the Detroit Tigers, their parent company Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) or a broadcast partner have been accused of misconduct toward women since 2023, including offensive comments, unwanted sexual behavior and, in one allegation, a physical confrontation.

The Athletic said the accused include four vice presidents and other senior executives and that seven of the eight were alleged to have mistreated women employed by IS+E, which owns the Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings and related properties. The report said six of the men subsequently resigned, were fired or failed to earn new contracts, and that three left in a six-month span beginning in November. One vice president was reportedly suspended in the past week.

The Athletic said its reporting drew on interviews with more than 45 current and former employees and review of emails, human resources documents, text messages and court records. The outlet reported allegations of a workplace culture it described as a "boys club," where women were told not to wear certain skirts or pants because male colleagues considered them distracting and where men routinely commented on female employees' appearances.

One current male employee quoted in The Athletic said: "The dysfunction is woven into the culture. It feels like a bunch of guys who can do whatever they want. It’s not a place women can feel safe." Multiple former employees told The Athletic they felt belittled or treated differently because of their gender.

The report details several named incidents. In April, assistant general manager Sam Menzin resigned after allegations that he sent unsolicited photographs of his genitals to two former club employees. At the time, a team spokesman told DailyMail.com that the club had completed an investigation after learning of the allegations and that "before the club could terminate Mr. Menzin, he resigned." The spokesman added that such behavior was "contrary to our standards" and had no place in the organization.

The Athletic also reported allegations against Michael Lienert, who was promoted to IS+E's vice president of premium sales and private events in 2021 and later was accused by colleagues of staring at women in ways that made them uncomfortable. The outlet said Lienert was alleged to have had at least two undisclosed relationships with coworkers and that, in 2023, he was accused of pushing a female coworker down a flight of stairs during a heated exchange. Lienert resigned after being suspended and is now listed as vice president of partnership sales for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. His attorney, Daniel J. Kramer, told outlets that Lienert denies the allegations.

IS+E and its affiliate Olympia Entertainment issued statements saying they are committed to a culture of respect, safety and inclusion and that they investigate allegations promptly. An Olympia Entertainment statement, quoted in news reports, said the company does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and that it has terminated employees for misconduct regardless of seniority. IS+E told The Athletic that it suspended and investigated employees when concerns were raised; it said some individuals resigned during or after those inquiries.

The Athletic said a number of women recounted incidents ranging from offensive comments and inappropriate texts to unwanted physical contact. The outlet reported that one recently suspended executive allegedly discussed whether women were "attractive enough" to work in sports. The report noted that the Tigers are one of three Major League Baseball teams that do not offer paid maternity leave.

The Tigers have faced multiple employment-related legal challenges in recent years. The Athletic and other outlets noted that the organization has been sued at least three times in federal court by former employees alleging age discrimination over the past three years.

News organizations including DailyMail.com reported that they sought comment from the Detroit Tigers, Major League Baseball, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars and Olympia Entertainment. Some outlets said attempts to reach certain individuals for comment were unsuccessful.

The Athletic's reporting, and the cited departures and disciplinary actions, show a series of personnel changes and reviews at IS+E that have unfolded over the past two years. The companies involved say they are investigating and taking actions as warranted while emphasizing commitments to accountability and workplace standards.