Jays, MLB cut ties with Alomar
Hall of Famer is placed on Major League Baseball’s ineligible list after investigation into allegation of sexual misconduct from 2014.
Roberto Alomar is no longer affiliated with the Blue Jays, after Major League Baseball found the Hall of Famer violated league policies following an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct.
Alomar, 53, was terminated as a consultant to MLB and placed on the ineligible list after a “baseball industry employee” came forward earlier this year with an allegation of sexual misconduct from 2014 involving the former Blue Jay, according to a statement from the league Friday. The decision was made after an independent investigation by an external legal firm.
“Having reviewed all of the available evidence from the now completed investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Alomar violated MLB’s policies, and that termination of his consultant contract and placement on MLB’s ineligible list are warranted,” said commissioner Rob Manfred.
Alomar, elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, said in a statement that he is “disappointed, surprised and upset with today’s news.”
The Jays subsequently released a statement of their own supporting MLB’s decision and announcing they would be severing all ties with Alomar, effective immediately. The club also announced it would be removing Alomar from the Level of Excellence and taking down his banner at the Rogers Centre.
“The Toronto Blue Jays believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and empathetic environment, where everyone involved in our game is respected,” Jays president Mark Shapiro, who joined the organization in 2015, said in a statement. “I am reaffirming our organization’s commitment to our employees, fans, media and partners to uphold a culture of respect that treats all individuals with dignity.”
Later, the person who filed the complaint issued a statement through lawyer Lisa Banks.
“Today, Major League Baseball announced that it placed Roberto Alomar on its Ineligible List for sexual misconduct after my client, a baseball industry employee, took the brave step of coming forward to MLB with her serious allegations. We applaud MLB for having this matter thoroughly investigated and for taking meaningful action against Mr. Alomar. My client commends other baseball industry survivors who have come forward, and who helped her feel safer in sharing her own terrible and life-altering experience. My client has no plans to file a lawsuit or take further action. She has not exposed Mr. Alomar’s behaviour for notoriety or for money and looks forward to moving on with her life. She simply wants to ensure that Mr. Alomar is held accountable for his wrongdoing and hopes her actions can help Major League Baseball create a safer workplace for its employees.”
While the Jays will remove reminders of Alomar’s honours, the National Baseball Hall of Fame said it was “shocked and saddened” by Friday’s news but his plaque won’t be taken down.
“When he was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in the Class of 2011, Alomar was an eligible candidate in good standing,” they said in a statement. “His plaque will remain on display in the Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the game, and his enshrinement reflects his eligibility and the perspective of the BBWAA voters at that time.”
Both the Jays and MLB commended the courage of the person who came forward, but said they would not be providing further details or comment to protect privacy and confidentiality.
“MLB will continue to strive to create environments in which people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of recrimination, retaliation or exclusion,” the league said.