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Cameron Maybin broke his silence Friday after a bombshell report from The Athletic tied the former Detroit Tigers outfielder and broadcaster to misconduct allegations dating back to the 2023 season. Days after the story’s release, Maybin issued a statement on his X account denying wrongdoing and accusing the report of leaving out critical context.
His comments came as Ilitch Sports & Entertainment (IS+E), the business arm that oversees the Tigers, Red Wings, and related entities, moved quickly into damage control. CEO Ryan Gustafson defended the organization’s workplace culture while also admitting that allegations from former employees required reflection.
Maybin Pushes Back
In his statement, Maybin said he never received notice of any misconduct complaints during his time with Bally Sports Detroit. He explained that the only issue relayed to him came from his agent, who told him the network believed he was “too close to the players.”
“The allegations being referenced were apparently made during the 2023 season, but I was never called in, notified, or told this was the reason the Tigers did not bring me back,” Maybin wrote.
Maybin also addressed one specific allegation from The Athletic, which said he sent a female employee a late-night message: “probably not the best idea we hang, I’m trying to stay married.” Maybin countered that the text came after the woman invited him out, which he declined. He added that he still has the conversation saved as proof.
“It shows me politely declining her invitation: ‘I’m beat I’m going to pass on this one,’ and me also stating: ‘but honestly probably not the best idea we hang I’m trying to stay married,’” Maybin wrote. “Thankfully as this screenshot shows, I have proof of such, and I hope this corrects the narrative that is currently in the public domain.”
Maybin, a first-round pick by the Tigers in 2005 and a fan favorite during his playing days, joined Bally Sports Detroit in 2023 after working briefly in the Yankees’ YES Network booth. His broadcasting stint in Detroit lasted just one season.
Tigers’ Leadership Defends Culture
While Maybin defended his reputation, IS+E President and CEO Ryan Gustafson defended the organization. In an email to employees and in a series of calls, Gustafson thanked the women who came forward, calling their testimony “brave.” But in a call with local media, he argued that The Athletic delivered a “gross mischaracterization of the culture here.”
“What [The Athletic] found were things that we already knew and had already resolved,” Gustafson said. “That doesn’t excuse them.”
Gustafson also stood by Ben Fidelman, IS+E’s vice president of communications and broadcasting, despite multiple sources telling The Athletic that Fidelman demeaned female colleagues and created a hostile work environment. Gustafson maintained that internal investigations cleared Fidelman of any wrongdoing.
The report also noted the Tigers remain one of only three MLB teams without paid maternity leave. Gustafson pushed back on that detail. He said a 12-week plan has been “in the works for months,” though the organization has yet to share it with employees.
After The Athletic asked for comment on his remarks about women made over live audio channels on game days, IS+E suspended executive Pete Soto.
For Maybin, the fight now focuses on salvaging his reputation. He insists he never learned of misconduct allegations during his time in Detroit. He also claims he holds proof that one of the central accusations misrepresented the situation.
The fallout continues to grow, leaving the Tigers defending a corporate culture criticized as a “boys club” while also confronting a former player who has chosen to challenge the credibility of the reporting publicly.
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