MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins third baseman Miguel Sano denied an accusation of sexual assault made by a local photographer via Twitter on Thursday.
The Twins were previously unaware of the allegations, which occurred during the 2015 season, and released the following statement:
"Today, the Minnesota Twins were made aware of allegations involving Miguel Sano at an offsite appearance during the 2015 season," the statement read. "The Twins, along with Major League Baseball, take these allegations very seriously. Until more information is gathered, the Twins will have no further comment."
Betsy Bissen, a photographer for TwinsDaily.com, described an incident following an autograph signing involving Sano, who recognized her from games she worked at Target Field. Bissen wrote that Sano forced her to go to a nearby Apple Store with him after the signing, and the alleged sexual assault occurred as he left to use the restroom.
Bissen alleges that Sano tried to kiss her and force her through the bathroom door before he relented after 10 minutes of struggle.
Through his agent, Sano denied the allegations.
"I unequivocally deny the allegation made against me today -- it never happened," Sano's statement read. "I have the utmost respect for women, especially those working in professional sports, and I deeply sympathize with anyone who has experienced sexual harassment. There is no place for it in our society."
Bissen also accused an unnamed former Twins first-base coach of sexual harassment, including asking for her phone number despite being a married man, in her social media post.