Detroit Tigers Leadership Faces Misconduct Allegations Impacting Workplace Culture

The Detroit Tigers organization has landed in hot water after serious allegations surfaced about misconduct and a toxic workplace. The Athletic ran an investigation and uncovered a string of accusations—mainly about inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment—mostly aimed at women in the organization.

Since 2023, at least eight men tied to the Detroit Tigers, their business division, or their broadcast partner have faced accusations of misconduct toward women. These complaints range from offensive remarks to physical altercations.

Four vice presidents and two other high-ranking staff are among those named. The investigation pointed to a persistent *boys club* vibe inside Ilitch Sports and Entertainment (IS+E), which runs the MLB team, the NHL’s Red Wings, Comerica Park, Little Caesars Arena, and more.

Specific Incidents and Accusations

One of the most disturbing claims centers on Michael Lienert, who allegedly had inappropriate relationships with female coworkers. He was also accused of pushing a female colleague down a flight of stairs.

Lienert resigned quickly after the organization started looking into his behavior. Another high-level official, Josh Bullock, got fired when HR found he’d verbally harassed employees and made inappropriate comments about women.

Impact on Female Employees

Women who work there say they’ve dealt with a hostile atmosphere full of inappropriate comments about their looks. Some were even told how to dress so they wouldn’t “distract” male colleagues.

The organization doesn’t offer paid maternity leave, making them one of just three MLB teams without it. They did set up a women’s group to address these concerns, but honestly, a lot of requests from female staff went nowhere.

Organizational Response

Ilitch Sports and Entertainment CEO Ryan Gustafson publicly defended the organization’s culture. They claim to value respect, safety, and inclusion, promising to investigate all concerns and act when needed.

Still, plenty of employees feel HR’s response has been inconsistent and just not enough.

HR’s Role and Challenges

People criticize IS+E’s HR department for being stretched too thin and not handling complaints well. Many feel smaller issues get brushed off, which just lets the *boys club* attitude stick around.

The HR team has grown, and they brought in an investigator last year. But for a lot of folks, it’s just not enough to make the workplace truly safe and inclusive.

Future Steps and Changes

The organization says they’ll soon roll out a 12-week paid maternity leave. Apparently, this has been in the works for a while and comes partly as a response to employee feedback and the recent controversy.

But, oddly enough, they haven’t given a clear timeline for when this benefit will actually start.

Broader Implications for the Sports Industry

What’s happening with the Detroit Tigers really isn’t unique. Across the sports world, organizations keep struggling to build workplaces that are genuinely inclusive and respectful.

The Athletic’s findings just make it clear: the industry needs big, systemic changes so that everyone—no matter their gender—feels safe and respected at work.

Industry-Wide Reforms

If sports organizations want to get serious about fixing these problems, they need to put real policies and training in place to prevent harassment and discrimination. Here’s what should be on the table:

• Mandatory training for everyone on harassment and discrimination
• Clear, accessible ways for employees to report misconduct
• HR departments that are staffed and ready to help
• Employee resource groups for underrepresented folks
• Benefits like paid maternity and paternity leave to help people balance work and life

The Role of Leadership

Leaders set the tone. If sports organizations want a better workplace, they’ve got to hold leaders accountable and make sure they actually walk the talk.

That means acting quickly when there are allegations and building a culture of respect and inclusion from the top down. Sounds obvious, but it’s clearly easier said than done.

Conclusion

The recent allegations against the Detroit Tigers and their affiliates shine a light on some troubling issues inside the organization. It’s not just about them, either—these problems echo throughout the wider sports world.

The Tigers have made a few moves to address the situation, but honestly, it still feels like they’ve got a long way to go. Building a truly inclusive and respectful workplace takes more than a few policy tweaks.

If you’re curious and want all the details, check out the full article on The Athletic’s website right here.