Report: Eight Detroit Tigers Employees Accused of Misconduct Toward Female Staffers

A report published Wednesday by The Athletic says at least eight employees connected to the Detroit Tigers were accused of misconduct toward female staffers over the past two years, prompting internal investigations and personnel moves by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment.

The Athletic's investigation, which began last April, included interviews with 45 current and former employees and reviewed emails, human resources documents, text messages and court records, according to the report. It found that female employees of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and other businesses, were subjected to misconduct by seven of the eight men named by the outlet.

In response, the organization issued a statement saying, "We are committed to a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. 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." The Athletic reported that six of the eight men alleged to have harassed or abused women were fired or did not have their contracts renewed and one was suspended after The Athletic requested comment.

The report named former Tigers assistant general manager Sam Menzin, who resigned in April after he allegedly sent unsolicited, lewd photos to multiple women who worked for the team. It also detailed former sales vice president Michael Lienert resigning in 2023 after an allegation that he pushed a female co-worker, with whom he had an undisclosed relationship, down a flight of stairs.

The Athletic reported that efforts to reach several of the men named in the story were unsuccessful. Messages seeking comment were left by The Associated Press with Menzin and with the Chicago Fire, a Major League Soccer club that employs Lienert as vice president of partnership sales. Neither Menzin nor Lienert responded to The Athletic's requests, the report said.

The report also described an investigation into director of communications and broadcasting Ben Fidelman. According to the account, human resources opened an inquiry last spring after a female employee alleged retaliation and gender discrimination. Ilitch Sports and Entertainment said it was "inaccurate and unfair to group Mr. Fidelman within a story about accusations of sexual harassment or related misconduct," noting that the concern raised against him was unrelated to sexual harassment and that the matter was investigated thoroughly with no wrongdoing found. Fidelman declined comment to the AP and deferred to the organization's statement.

The revelations arrived as the Tigers—who led the American League Central with fewer than three weeks left in the regular season—neared their first division title since 2014. The Athletic's report said that allegations and internal reviews have stretched across multiple properties operated by the Ilitch organization and involved employees at various levels.

The Athletic said its reporting draws on human resources records and court documents in addition to interviews with current and former employees. Ilitch Sports and Entertainment said it has taken disciplinary action where warranted and reaffirmed its policies against discrimination and harassment. The team and the organization did not provide additional specifics about pending personnel matters or whether any allegations are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.

The Athletic's report adds to scrutiny of workplace culture at sports organizations nationwide and follows previous disclosures in professional sports that prompted internal reviews and, in some cases, firings. The Tigers organization and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment said they will continue to investigate concerns through established processes while the team continues its season.