Major League Baseball launches immediate investigation into allegations Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway, former New York Mets manager, sent inappropriate text messages and images to reporters and women in sports media, a senior official told USA TODAY Sports.
The person was granted anonymity because MLB has yet to publicly announce their investigation.
Callaway has pursued at least five women while working with three different teams, according to a report from The Athletic.
This is the second time in two weeks that a senior baseball official has been accused of sending inappropriate and obscene messages to a reporter after the Mets sacked general manager Jared Porter two weeks ago.
Callaway, according to three of the women in The Athletic report, sent inappropriate photos and asked them to send nude photos in return. He also sent unsolicited e-mail messages and frequently commented on their occurrence. One reporter said Callaway pushed his crotch close to her during his interview, and another said he would provide him with inside information about the Mets if they got drunk together.
Callaway did not return a text message to USA TODAY Sports, but told The Athletic, “Rather than rushing to respond to these general allegations that I just learned about, I look forward to the opportunity to provide more specific answers. Any relationship I have been engaged in has been consensual and my conduct was in no way intended to be disrespectful to the women involved. I am married and my wife has been made aware of these general allegations.
Callaway was in the Cleveland organization for eight years, including five as a pitching coach, before spending two years as manager of the Mets. He joined the Angels last year. The Mets said they were made aware of an incident in 2018 involving Callaway before joining the organization, but he still kept his post. He was fired after the 2019 season.
“I was appalled at the actions reported today by former manager Mickey Callaway,” Mets president Sandy Alderson said in a statement released by the team. “I was not aware of the conduct described in the story when Mickey was hired or at any point during my tenure as CEO. We have already initiated a review of our recruitment processes to ensure that our selection of new employees is more thorough and comprehensive. ”
A New York-based reporter told The Athletic that Callaway would send out shirtless selfies two or three times a week, asking for photos in return.
“He would come up to me and massage my shoulders in the canoe when he thought no one was looking,” the reporter told The Athletic. “For a month, he texted me asking for nude photos. I started talking to people (who were in the media) and they said it wasn’t an isolated thing.
The reporter also revealed several other inappropriate text messages on her phone from Callaway:
“I bet you look delicious on tequila,” he said with a smiley face.
“Our sleep doctor in Cleveland said you should always sleep naked. Healthier for your skin and much better rest. You have to let perfect skin breathe! “
“At the bar, how many photos do you take?”
“He was totally relentless,” she said.
A reporter said Callaway asked him to socialize many times, with an email: “Let’s get drunk, I’ll tell you what’s going on with the team.”
And another said she received a Valentine’s Day message from him, including nine photos, including one shirtless on a property in Florida he had recently purchased.
The Angels issued a statement which reads: “The reported behavior violates the values and policies of the Angels organization. We take this very seriously and will investigate fully with MLB.
The Indians, Callaway’s longtime employer, also released a statement: “We learned for the first time this evening 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 the appropriate next steps. Our organization does not unequivocally tolerate this type of behavior. We seek to create an inclusive work environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe and comfortable doing their job. ”
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