DETROIT (WWJ) -- Olympia Entertainment is responding to a report detailing allegations of misconduct toward women by multiple men employed by the Detroit Tigers.
The report, published by The Athletic, says the alleged misconduct since 2023 involves at least eight men employed by the Tigers, Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, and other partners. Some of the accused employees are said to be high-ranking, including four vice presidents.
The allegations span from offensive comments to physical confrontation, with several women accusing men in the office of routinely commenting on their appearance. One executive is accused of telling some women they aren't attractive enough to succeed in the sports industry. Other women were reportedly told not to wear skirts or leggings because because male colleagues found them distracting.
The Athletic also noted that the Tigers is also one of only three teams in Major League Baseball not offering paid maternity leave.
According to The Athletic, six of the men who were accused either resigned, were fired, or did not have their contracts renewed.
Despite that, the accusers claim the organization remains a "boys club," and say this dysfunction is woven into the culture of the Tigers.
One employee is quoted by The Athletic saying the Tigers is not a workplace where women can feel safe, but instead where "a bunch of guys who can do whatever they want."
Olympia Entertainment, a division of the Ilitch Holdings conglomerate which owns the Tigers, said in a statement to WWJ Newsradio 950 that they have taken action — including terminating employees — adding the organization does not tolerate discrimination or harassment.
The entire Olympia Entertainment statement reads as follows:
“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. We are committed to accountability and to upholding the standards essential to our workplace.
"Building on that commitment, we work hard every day to improve our workplace culture. We encourage open dialogue and feedback, celebrate the contributions of our colleagues, and continue to invest in programs that support growth, well-being, and inclusion. Our colleagues have multiple channels to share input, supported by a strong HR team that responds quickly to concerns. We also provide ongoing, company-wide training and education to prevent and address inappropriate behavior.
"These efforts foster a culture where colleagues feel confident raising concerns, knowing that action will be taken when issues arise. We are grateful to the employees who have spoken up here, and to the more than 3,000 full- and part-time colleagues who contribute every day to ensuring a safe work environment.”
WWJ has messages out to both Ilitch Sports Entertainment (IS+E) and a named accuser seeking further comment.