Astros assistant GM fired after MLB probe
WASHINGTON — The Astros fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman on Thursday after discovering he lied to them about his expletive-filled tirade toward a group of female reporters after the team’s American League pennant-clinching celebration.
“Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman’s inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter,” the Astros said in a statement. “We were wrong. We sincerely apologize to Stephanie Apstein, Sports Illustrated and to all individuals who witnessed this incident or were offended by the inappropriate conduct. The Astros in no way intended to minimize the issues related to domestic violence.
“Our initial belief was based on witness statements about the incident. Subsequent interviews have revealed that Taubman’s inappropriate comments were, in fact, directed toward one or more reporters. Accordingly, we have terminated [his] employment with the Houston Astros. His conduct does not reflect the values of our organization, and we believe this is the most appropriate course of action.”
Taubman, celebrating the clinching Game 6 last Saturday, yelled about six times toward three female reporters in the clubhouse: “Thank God we got [Roberto] Osuna! I’m so [expletive] glad we got Osuna!”
Osuna, the Astros’ closer, was acquired in July 2018 while he was serving a 75-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy. He was arrested in Toronto for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend — the mother of his 3-year-old son — and accepted his suspension without appeal. The charges were withdrawn last September when Osuna entered into a peace bond in Canadian court.
Taubman originally denied any intent. He issued a statement that read: “I used inappropriate language, for which I am deeply sorry and embarrassed. In retrospect, I realize that my comments were unprofessional and inappropriate. My overexuberance in support of a player has been misinterpreted as a demonstration of a regressive attitude about an important social issue.”
MLB’s investigators decided he was lying. “We are thankful to [MLB] and to everyone that cooperated in the investigation,” the Astros said in their statement. “As previously stated, the Astros are very committed to using our voice to create awareness and support [about] domestic violence. We fully support MLB and baseball’s stance and values regarding domestic violence. We will continue to make this cause a priority for our organization.”