Detroit Tigers Front Office Rocked by Misconduct Allegations

The Detroit Tigers may be enjoying one of their best seasons on the field in a decade, but behind the scenes, the organization is dealing with a storm that has nothing to do with baseball.

According to an investigation by The Athletic, at least eight men connected to the Tigers, their parent company Ilitch Sports & Entertainment (IS+E), or their broadcast partners have been accused of misconduct toward women since 2023. The list includes four vice presidents and two other high-ranking employees, underscoring how deep the issues run inside the organization.

A “Boys Club” Culture

The report paints a troubling picture of a workplace where inappropriate comments, unwanted advances, and outright hostility were tolerated for too long. Some women told investigators they were even told what clothing not to wear because it might “distract” their male colleagues. Others described leaders who openly mocked, belittled, or excluded them from key workplace decisions.

“It feels like a bunch of guys who can do whatever they want,” one current male employee told The Athletic. “It’s not a place women can feel safe.”

High-Profile Exits

The investigation revealed several major departures over the past two years:

• Sam Menzin, a highly regarded assistant GM, resigned after an internal probe found he sent unsolicited lewd photos to multiple women.
• Josh Bullock, VP of business operations in Lakeland, Fla., was fired after multiple employees accused him of verbal harassment and inappropriate comments, including an incident where he allegedly shoved a female colleague.
• Rob Gehring, director of video content production, was let go after repeated complaints that he made suggestive remarks and touched women unnecessarily.

Other executives, including Michael Lienert, who was accused of pushing a female coworker down a flight of stairs during a heated exchange, left the organization after internal investigations.

Suspensions and Denials

Not all of the accused have been removed. Vice president Peter Soto was suspended after The Athletic began asking questions about his alleged behavior, which included inappropriate headset remarks and comments about female employees’ appearances. Soto’s lawyer has denied the allegations, saying his client has always fostered an “inclusive and inspirational environment.”

Another executive, Ben Fidelman, was promoted to VP in June despite multiple complaints from employees that he belittled and screamed at women. HR cleared him of wrongdoing, but critics inside the organization argue his behavior was dismissed or downplayed.

Broadcast Partners in Trouble Too

The fallout hasn’t been limited to the front office. Former Tigers players Cameron Maybin and Craig Monroe, both of whom had broadcast roles, were also accused of misconduct. Maybin allegedly sent inappropriate messages to female employees, while Monroe was taken off the air in 2024 after being accused of sexual abuse of a minor in Texas.

Neither man returned to broadcasts, and their contracts were not renewed.

The Organization Responds

In response to the investigation, Olympia Entertainment, which oversees IS+E, issued a statement:

“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.”

The organization also announced it will begin offering 12 weeks of paid maternity leave starting in 2026, a benefit currently missing from the Tigers’ workplace, making them one of just three MLB teams without it.

A Winning Team, A Troubled Workplace

Ironically, the Tigers are chasing their first division title since 2014, giving fans plenty to cheer for on the field. But inside the walls of Comerica Park and Ilitch headquarters, current and former employees describe a very different story: one of a fractured, “cliquey” culture where misconduct has gone unchecked for far too long.

As one ex-employee put it:

“Yeah, the team is playing well. But let’s be real.”