Detroit Tigers CEO Addresses Misconduct Allegations, Defends Workplace Culture

The Detroit Tigers have landed in hot water after The Athletic published an investigation. The report laid out a string of misconduct claims against eight men tied to the organization, from the business side to the broadcast partner.

Ryan Gustafson, the Tigers’ CEO of business operations, jumped in to defend the team’s workplace culture. He said they’d already dealt with the issues in the report, but the story has still kicked off a bigger debate about what it’s really like to work at Ilitch Sports and Entertainment (IS+E).

The Allegations and Organizational Response

The Athletic dug up allegations that ranged from offensive comments to physical confrontations. Pete Soto, IS+E’s vice president of game presentation and fan experience, was suspended after the investigation.

The suspension came right after The Athletic’s findings. It was a pretty direct reaction to what the report uncovered.

CEO’s Stance on Workplace Culture

Ryan Gustafson thanked the people who spoke up, saying it took guts to make the workplace safer. He also insisted the organization had already sorted out the problems in the report, though he didn’t try to excuse the bad behavior.

Gustafson stood by the culture at IS+E during calls with different departments and with local media. He called The Athletic’s story a *gross mischaracterization* and pointed to internal surveys showing employees were happier these days.

Specific Allegations and Internal Investigations

Ben Fidelman, IS+E’s vice president of communications and broadcasting, is one of the men named. Ten people reportedly witnessed Fidelman’s inappropriate remarks and behavior, but Gustafson backed him, saying Fidelman hadn’t done anything wrong.

The investigation into Fidelman turned up no formal complaints, even though HR heard about several incidents. That does raise an eyebrow, doesn’t it?

Claims of Retaliation and Gender Discrimination

The Athletic reported that a woman filed a formal complaint in April, accusing Fidelman of retaliation and gender discrimination. Gustafson said the investigation found no wrongdoing by Fidelman.

He also said there aren’t any plans to bring in an outside firm to look at the organization’s culture. Instead, they’re sticking with internal surveys and employee feedback. That’s a choice, I guess.

Workplace Culture and Future Plans

Gustafson said he knows there’s always room to improve the workplace culture. He’s confident there aren’t bigger misconduct problems lurking under the surface.

He mentioned that a paid maternity leave plan has been in the works for a while, pushing back on The Athletic’s claim that the Tigers are one of just three MLB teams without such a policy.

Internal Surveys and Employee Sentiment

Gustafson pointed to internal surveys showing employees felt happier than ever. That sounds good on paper.

Still, the claims of a *boys club* culture and reports of misconduct suggest there are issues that haven’t been fully dealt with.

Impact and Broader Implications

The Athletic’s report has shined a light on both specific misconduct and bigger cultural problems inside the organization. Gustafson calls the accusations *baseless* but also sees a chance for change here.

The story has sparked conversations about workplace culture, gender discrimination, and how organizations should handle misconduct—quickly and honestly. Maybe that’s the silver lining, if you can call it that.

Moving Forward

Looking ahead, the organization really needs to put stronger measures in place to keep the workplace both safe and inclusive. That means tackling any lingering problems and building a culture where respect actually matters.

They should also make sure people who step forward with concerns get real support—not just lip service. It’s not always easy, but it’s the only way to move things in the right direction.

If you want the full story on the allegations and how the organization responded, check out The Athletic’s investigation here.