Detroit Tigers assistant general manager Sam Menzin has resigned following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior, according to a report by The Athletic. The investigation reportedly found that Menzin sent unsolicited explicit images to multiple women on the team’s staff.
Sources told The Athletic that the Tigers had planned to terminate Menzin’s employment before his resignation, which occurred six games into the team’s season. The club later confirmed the existence of the investigation and its findings in a statement:
“Upon being made aware of the allegations as to Sam Menzin’s conduct, the club promptly completed an investigation. Before the club could terminate Mr. Menzin, he resigned,” the statement read. “This type of behavior is contrary to our standards and has absolutely no place within our organization. We have a positive and safe culture for our colleagues and will continue to emphasize respect, inclusion, and professionalism.”
Two women employed by the Tigers told The Athletic that Menzin sent them photos of his genitals via Snapchat, dating back as far as 2017. A third woman, who does not work for the Tigers but is employed elsewhere in Major League Baseball, alleged that she received similar photos around 2018 or 2019. All three women spoke to the outlet anonymously and each reportedly shared the incidents with individuals close to them at the time.
One of the women described the pressure she felt to remain silent:
“It’s like no one says anything because who is going to believe them when they say Sam Menzin did this? It’s not like a bat boy or security guard. It’s Sam Menzin,” she said. “It always felt like saying something wasn’t an option, because who is going to believe you and do anything about it? It’s just this overall sense that (reporting something) wasn’t an option.”
Menzin, 34, began his career with the Tigers in 2012 as a baseball operations intern. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming director of baseball operations and pro scouting in 2015, and later assistant general manager in 2021. In a text message to The Athletic, Menzin stated he had resigned to pursue a career change and address “family issues” in New York. He did not respond to follow-up requests for comment.
The organization has not disclosed further details about the outcome of the investigation or whether any other actions will be taken.