Jerry Dipoto is one of three execs specifically named in the accusations made by the former employeeGETTY IMAGES
MLB confirmed it "will conduct an investigation" into claims by former Mariners Dir of High Performance Lorena Martin, who this week leveled "serious accusations of racist and sexist comments" against the team, according to Ryan Divish of the SEATTLE TIMES. Whenever a team employee "makes an accusation of racism or improper work conditions of that nature, it is standard policy for MLB to investigate." The investigators "can come from within the employ of MLB or hired outside investigators." A time frame for the probe "was not given" (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/14). In Seattle, Larry Stone writes under the header, "No Matter How It Plays Out, Lorena Martin’s Racism Claim Against Mariners Stains The Organization." The claim is a "damaging blow" to an organization "already facing public distrust over its ability to build winning baseball teams after 17 years out of the playoffs, the longest drought in professional sports." This also comes just three and a half months after three top Mariners execs were "accused by women of inappropriate workplace conduct." This is an organization that "seems to be in constant turmoil, and this just adds to the perception of disarray" (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/14).
TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY? THE ATHLETIC's Corey Brock noted the Mariners when hiring Martin "seemed to initially consider Martin’s addition a coup." But sources said that some within the Lakers organization, where Martin previously served as Dir of Sports Performance Analytics, were "relieved she found a position elsewhere despite having hired her barely a year earlier." Martin’s role with the Lakers was "reduced in scope," and sources said that she was "difficult to work with, unable to accept criticism and eager to deflect blame." After joining the Mariners, there were "issues from the very beginning of Martin’s tenure." Sources said that some players "weren’t comfortable around Martin in the team’s clubhouse," and others "were reticent to accept her input." Those complaints "echo themes from Lakers sources, as well" (THEATHLETIC.com, 11/13).
