In a broad report by The Athletic, a woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused Callaway – who had been a manager of the New York Mets for two seasons – of “pushing her groin close to her face” while the reporter was conducting an interview with Callaway.
Another reporter says that Callaway said he would share information about his former team, the Mets, if the journalist got drunk with him.
Two of the women interviewed said they were alerted to Callaway’s repeated inappropriate behavior, according to The Athletic. A reporter told the publication that Callaway’s obscene behavior “was the sport’s worst-kept secret.”
CNN made several attempts to contact Callaway for a comment, including consultations through the Angels.
Athletic reports that Callaway offered the following statement when presented with the charges:
“Rather than rushing to respond to these general allegations I just learned, I look forward to an opportunity to provide more specific answers. Any relationship I was involved in was consensual, and my conduct was in no way intended to be disrespectful to any woman involved. I am married and my wife has been informed of these general allegations. “
Major League Baseball (MLB) told CNN that it is launching an investigation into Callaway.
Earlier on Tuesday, the MLB issued a statement saying “it was never notified of any allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior by Mickey Callaway”.
The Angels say they will work with the league’s office to investigate the allegations.
“The reported behavior violates the values and policies of the Organization of Angels,” said the team.
Callaway was the manager of Mets during the 2018-2019 seasons. Sandy Alderson, who served as president of the team since last year and served as general manager for 2010-2018, said in a statement that “he was shocked by the reported actions” .
“I was unaware of the conduct described in the story at the time of hiring Mickey or at any time during my tenure as General Manager. We have already started a review of our hiring processes to ensure that our assessment of new employees is more complete and comprehensive, “Alderson said in a statement.
In a statement on Monday, Mets’ new owner Steve Cohen said: “The conduct reported in The Athletic’s history today is completely unacceptable and would never be tolerated under my ownership.”
The Cleveland Indians, who hired Callaway as a pitch coach for five seasons between 2013-2017, said in a statement that they were informed of the charges against Callaway for the first time on Monday.
“We are currently reviewing the matter internally and in consultation with the Major League Baseball to determine the appropriate next steps,” says the team statement. “Our organization unequivocally does not tolerate this type of behavior. We seek to create an inclusive work environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can feel safe and comfortable to do their jobs.”
CNN’s Amir Vera contributed to this report.