MLB, Blue Jays sever ties with Roberto Alomar after sexual misconduct investigation

TORONTO – Major League Baseball is placing Roberto Alomar on its ineligible list after reviewing an allegation of sexual misconduct against the Hall of Fame second baseman.

Alomar’s contract as a consultant to MLB in Puerto Rico was terminated, as anyone on the ineligible list is banned from working in the league office or for any team in the majors or affiliated minors. He also served on commissioner Rob Manfred’s competition committee and worked for the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant, but that position was restructured as part of wider cost-cutting moves last September.

The discipline comes after an external law firm hired by MLB investigated the allegation and presented its findings to commissioner Rob Manfred, who determined a violation of league policies occurred.

https://twitter.com/Robbiealomar/status/1388181908027330561

In a statement, the Blue Jays said Alomar’s name will be removed from its Level of Excellence and his banner will be taken down.

“The Toronto Blue Jays believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and empathetic environment, where everyone involved in our game is respected,” said Blue Jays team president Mark Shapiro.

“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.”

Alomar posted a statement on Twitter saying he’s “disappointed, surprised and upset” with the news.

“With the current social climate, I understand why Major League Baseball has taken the position they have,” he said.

“My hope is that this allegation can be heard in a venue that will allow me to address the accusation directly. I will continue to spend my time helping kids pursue their baseball dreams. I will not be making any further comment at this time.”

Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the Board at the Baseball Hall of Fame, said the Hall was “shocked and saddened” by Alomar’s actions.

Alomar’s Hall of Fame plaque will remain on display in Cooperstown, N.Y.

“His enshrinement reflects his eligibility and the perspective of the BBWAA voters at that time,” she said in a statement.

The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, which added Alomar to its ranks in 2010, also said Friday’s announcement from MLB wouldn’t affect his status as an inductee, but added Alomar “will no longer be welcome at future events nor will we associate with him or his Foundation.”

It is a stunning fall from grace for an industry giant, beloved both in his native Puerto Rico and in Toronto, where his No. 12 is retired and his name interwoven into the fabric of the franchise.

Major League Baseball has in recent months faced a public reckoning for its treatment of women in the industry. Back in January, a report from ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Jeff Passan about a string of unsolicited and inappropriate messages Jared Porter sent a woman led to his firing as New York Mets general manager.

Britt Ghiroli and Katie Strang of The Athletic subsequently reported on former Mets manager Mickey Callaway’s serial harassment of women in New York and Cleveland, when he was the pitching coach there.

The Alomar case is the latest evidence of how widespread the problem is, although his effective banning from the sport is a sign that men of accomplishment won’t be allowed to hide behind their status.

Alomar was a 12-time all-star over 17 seasons with the San Diego Padres, Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks.

He was known as a slick fielder, winning 10 Gold Gloves, and also for his temper – he infamously spat on umpire John Hirschbeck’s face, earning a five-game ban in 1996.

With files from The Canadian Press