The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli and Alex Andrejev have published an investigative article which should concern every Tigers and Red Wings fan:
At least eight men employed by the Detroit Tigers, its business arm or broadcast partner have been accused of misconduct toward women since 2023, including four vice presidents and two other high-ranking employees, an investigation by The Athletic found.
Seven of those eight were accused of mistreating women employed by Ilitch Sports and Entertainment (IS+E), which operates the MLB franchise, the NHL’s Red Wings, Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena and other entertainment entities. The allegations against the men ranged from offensive comments to physical confrontation.
Six of the men either resigned, were fired or did not have their contracts renewed — three exited in a six-month period beginning last November. One vice president was suspended after The Athletic requested comment about the allegations against him late last week.
“The dysfunction is woven into the culture. It feels like a bunch of guys who can do whatever they want,” said a current male employee. “It’s not a place women can feel safe.”
Continued (paywall); the article doesn’t paint a flattering picture of the Red Wings’ parent organization, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
I’m not going to pass judgment upon the Ilitch organization based on some bad apples, but this indicates a cultural problem that they should address openly and honestly.
