MLB puts Roberto Alomar on Ineligible List

Major League Baseball has placed Roberto Alomar on the Ineligible List and terminated him as a consultant following an investigation into sexual misconduct by the former Blue Jays second baseman.

The Toronto Blue Jays will also be “severing all ties” with Alomar, the organization announced.

Commissioner Rob Manfred released the following statement Friday:

“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.”

Alomar is therefore ineligible to perform services on behalf of any Major or Minor League Club, either as an employee or independent contractor.

Alomar, who played for the Blue Jays from 1991 to 1995, has stayed closely involved with the organization since his playing career ended in 2004. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011. Now 53, Alomar most recently held a title of special assistant with the Blue Jays, and has been involved with youth baseball initiatives in both Puerto Rico and Canada, acting as the commissioner of Tournament 12, an amateur baseball tournament put on annually at Rogers Centre by the Blue Jays Baseball Academy.

“The Toronto Blue Jays support Major League Baseball’s decision to terminate Roberto Alomar’s consultant contract and place him on its Ineligible List,” the club said in a statement. “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.”

Club president and CEO Mark Shapiro also issued the following statement.

“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.”

Alomar issued the following statement soon after Major League Baseball’s announcement.

“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.”