Jays take down Alomar banner, remove his name from Level of Excellence
The Blue Jays are severing all ties with Hall of Fame 2B Robbie Alomar
The Toronto Blue Jays are taking down Roberto Alomar’s name from the Level of Excellence on the 500 Level of the Rogers Centre.
They are removing his Hall of Fame banner from the centre field rafters.
The statements ... from the concerned parties ....
From Major League Baseball Statement Regarding Roberto Alomar
Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced Friday that Roberto Alomar has been terminated as a consultant to Major League Baseball and placed on the Ineligible List.
Commissioner Manfred issued the following statement regarding the discipline: “At my office’s request, an independent investigation was conducted by an external legal firm to review an allegation of sexual misconduct reported by a baseball industry employee earlier this year involving Mr. Alomar in 2014. Having reviewed all of the available evidence from the now completed investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Alomar violated MLB’s policies, and that termination of his consultant contract and placement on MLB’s Ineligible List are warranted.
“We are grateful for the courage of the individual who came forward. MLB will continue to strive to create environments in which people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of recrimination, retaliation, or exclusion.”
In order to respect the privacy of the individual who came forward and to protect their confidentiality, MLB will provide no further details on this matter.
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From the Toronto Blue Jays regarding Commissioner Manfred’s decision on Roberto Alomar
The Toronto Blue Jays support Major League Baseball’s decision to terminate Roberto Alomar’s consultant contract and place him on its Ineligible List. Commissioner Manfred concluded that Alomar violated MLB’s policies following an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct that was recently made against Alomar from an incident that occurred in 2014. Based upon this conclusion and our review of the investigation’s findings, the Blue Jays are severing all ties with Alomar, effective immediately.
The Blue Jays are committed to advancing respect and equity in baseball and are taking further action by removing Alomar from the Level of Excellence and taking down his banner at Rogers Centre.
We commend the courage demonstrated by the individual who bravely came forward, and in order to respect their privacy, the organization will have no further comment at this time.
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From Mark Shapiro, Toronto Blue Jays president & CEO ...
The Toronto Blue Jays believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and empathetic environment, where everyone involved in our game is respected. 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.
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From Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark ...
The National Baseball Hall of Fame was shocked and saddened to learn of the news being shared today about Roberto Alomar. When he was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in the Class of 2011, Alomar was an eligible candidate in good standing. His plaque will remain on display in the Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the game, and his enshrinement reflects his eligibility and the perspective of the BBWAA voters at that time.
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From Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum board of directors:
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum was shocked, upset and troubled to learn of today’s news that Roberto Alomar has been placed on Major League Baseball’s Ineligible List following an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct.
While this decision will not impact his status as an inductee of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Alomar will no longer be welcome at future events nor will we associate with him or his Foundation.
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Statement from lawyer Lisa Banks of Katz, Marshall & Banks, of Washington, D.C. “Baseball has placed Roberto Alomar on its ineligible list for sexual misconduct after my client, a baseball industry employee, took the brave step of coming forward to with her serious allegations. We applaud baseball for having this matter thoroughly investigated and for taking meaningful action against Mr. Alomar. My client commends other baseball industry survivors who have come forward, and who helped her feel safer in sharing her own terrible and life-altering experience. My client has no plans to file a lawsuit or take further action. She has not exposed Mr. Alomar’s behavior for notoriety or for money and looks forward to moving on with her life. She wants to ensure that Mr. Alomar is held accountable for his wrongdoing and hopes her actions can help baseball create a safer workplace for its employees.”
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From Alomar ...
“I am disappointed, surprised and upset with today’s news.
“With the current social climate, I understand why Major League Baseball has taken the position they have. 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.”