The Mets are implementing a series of changes and moving on from two executives as a result of its recent investigation, spurred by reporting on the team’s “toxic” workplace culture.
In an e-mail to employees on Monday, owner Steve Cohen announced the findings from WilmerHale — whom Cohen brought on to handle the investigation — will result in changes “to make to ensure that our community and culture will always be safe, respectful, and inclusive.”
These changes include increased transparency through regular town halls and Q&A sessions, as well as updates to their policies and practices to ensure legal and HR respond to complaints in a timely fashion and to strengthen their processes for workplace investigations.
Cohen added that he’ll be bringing in his own team to handle legal and human resources and is moving on from executives David Cohen (no relation) and Holly Lindvall. Lindvall had been named in reporting by the Athletic.
In February, the Athletic reported that five women in sports media were accusing former Mets manager and current Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway of aggressive and lewd advances, which eventually resulted in his being placed on MLB’s Ineligible List. Since then, a series of reporting by the Athletic and ESPN led to the firings of GM Jared Porter and minor league hitting coordinator Ryan Ellis.
Cohen had noted the behavior was “completely unacceptable” and in March hired WilmerHale to conduct a review of the team’s workplace culture “with a focus on sexual harassment, misconduct and discrimination issues.”