x
Breaking News
More () »

MLB to investigate racism claims against Mariners, report says

The MLB told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that it is investigating allegations of racism that the Mariners' former director of high performance made against the organization.
Safeco Field the morning of Opening Day (Photo by Greg Thies)

The MLB will investigate the claims of racism made by a former employee against the Mariners.

The organization gave a statement Tuesday to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic saying they are aware of the allegations and are looking into them.

“Consistent with our policies, we are investigating the allegations,” MLB told Rosenthal.

Former Mariners Director of High Performance Lorena Martin, who was relieved of her duties October 10, tweeted Monday that the Mariners management has “major issues.” She specifically named several upper level Mariners managers, including General Manager Jerry Dipoto, Manager Scott Servais, and Director of Player Development Andy McKay, for allegedly calling their Latino players lazy, dumb, and stupid.

Martin also claimed the team has fired “innocent trainers” because of their race.

The Mariners denied the allegations Monday, saying management and coaching staff have not made racist remarks about players or staff and that the claims were “fabricated.” The organization also said it has not terminated or threatened to terminate any trainers during the off-season.

RELATED: Mariners deny racism charges from former director of high performance

Martin was hired in October 2017 to oversee the physical and mental health of Mariners players and coaches. She was the team’s first-ever director of high performance.

Before You Leave, Check This Out