A wide-ranging investigation by The Athletic has revealed that eight Detroit Tigers employees have been accused of misconduct toward women over the last two years, including at least four executives at the vice president level.
The report, published Wednesday by Alex Andrejev and Brittany Ghiroli, is based on interviews with 45 current and former employees of the Tigers and Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, the franchise’s parent company. According to those interviewed, seven of the eight men were accused of mistreating women within the organization. Allegations ranged from offensive remarks and demeaning behavior to instances of physical confrontation.
These findings follow the resignation of former Tigers general manager Sam Menzin in April, who stepped down after facing allegations of misconduct toward women. Menzin’s departure, which sources described as tied to the same type of behavior cited in this week’s report, was an early signal of deeper cultural concerns inside the front office.
Employees told The Athletic that the success of the 2025 Tigers on the field, the team’s best record since 2013, has masked what they describe as a toxic workplace. Women in particular reported feeling sidelined, belittled, or in some cases directly harassed, creating what several described as an environment where complaints were not taken seriously and accountability was inconsistent.
According to the investigation, employees pointed to lapses in human resources oversight and a lack of internal mechanisms for addressing misconduct at the leadership level. Several former staffers alleged that senior executives either ignored complaints or created an atmosphere where raising concerns was discouraged out of fear of retaliation.
In response to the report, Ilitch Sports and Entertainment issued a statement defending its policies while acknowledging that disciplinary action has been necessary in recent years.
“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 company said. “We are committed to accountability and to upholding the standards essential to our workplace.”
Of the eight individuals named in the report, six are no longer with the organization. A seventh was suspended after The Athletic sought comment from team officials.
For a franchise trying to restore its image on the field, these revelations highlight a troubling disconnect between Detroit’s public success and its private challenges. As the Tigers push toward postseason contention, questions about how the organization handles workplace culture and protects employees remain pressing issues that extend far beyond the diamond.