Around two weeks after former Cubs and Mets executive Jared Porter was fired for sending explicit, lewd texts to a female reporter in 2016, another former Mets employee is facing serious allegations of inappropriate behavior.
According to Brittany Ghiroli (who recently opened up about her own experience of harassment), Katie Strang and Ken Rosenthal, former Mets manager and current Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway has been accused of lewd, unwanted behavior toward several women working in sports media.
His behavior reportedly included sending and requesting inappropriate pictures, sending numerous unwanted messages, making comments regarding females' appearances and offering to share information about the Mets if the reporter got drunk with him. The picture's he'd send included shirtless selfies, according to one woman, who added that he would follow up asking for nude pictures in return.
One of the accusers, all of whom were kept anonymous, described his behavior as "the worst-kept secret in sports." Another called him and his actions "completely unrelenting" and said that "even an ounce of his personal life should reveal" his inappropriate and harassing ways. The accusations range from 2015, when he was a pitching coach with the Cleveland Indians, throughout his stint as Mets manager and up to 2020, as pitching coach with the Angels.
Callaway responded to an email regarding the allegations with the following:
“Rather than rush to respond to these general allegations of which I have just been made aware, I look forward to an opportunity to provide more specific responses. Any relationship in which I was engaged has been consensual, and my conduct was in no way intended to be disrespectful to any women involved. I am married and my wife has been made aware of these general allegations.”
The Angels released a statement on Callaway and the accusations.
“The behavior being reported violates the Angels Organization’s values and policies. We take this very seriously and will conduct a full investigation with MLB.”
The Indians also sent out a statement following the report.
We were made aware for the first time tonight of the allegations in The Athletic regarding Mickey Callaway’s behavior towards women. We are currently reviewing the matter internally and in consultation with Major League Baseball to determine appropriate next steps. Our organization unequivocally does not condone this type of behavior. We seek to create an inclusive work environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe and comfortable to do their jobs.
According to the report from Ghiroli, Strang and Rosenthal, the Mets investigated an incident that took place prior to their hiring of Callaway, though a spokesperson declined to reveal what the incident was and whether or not any disciplinary action was taken. Callaway was fired from the Mets following the 2019 season, after two years as their manager.
Callaway spent five years as a pitcher in the majors, playing for the Rays, Angels and Rangers.
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