Mets Fire GM Jared Porter Over Sexually Explicit Text Messages To Female Reporter
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Mets have fired general manager Jared Porter following a report that he sent uninvited, sexually graphic text messages to a female reporter in 2016.
The organization's response was swift.
On Tuesday morning, team owner Steve Cohen fired Porter, less than a day after details of a sexting scandal went public.
Cohen announced the decision on Twitter, writing in part, "In my initial press conference, I spoke about the importance of integrity and I meant it. There should be zero tolerance for this type of behavior."
The Mets just hired 41-year-old Porter in December. It was Cohen's first big move since buying the team in November, CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported.
At his introductory press conference, Porter said he was thrilled to get the job, adding, "I couldn't be any more excited to be here. I'm pumped."
His elation would be be short-lived.
On Monday night, ESPN released a bombshell report saying Porter sent explicit, unsolicited texts and images to a female reporter in 2016, while he was the director of professional scouting for the Chicago Cubs.
The woman, an unidentified foreign correspondent, who moved to the United States to cover Major League Baseball, told ESPN she met Porter at Yankee Stadium in 2016.
She said what started as casual texts from Porter, escalated into unwelcome lewd messages and vulgar photos.
"In one word, I was repulsed," New York Daily News sportswriter Deesha Thosar said.
Thosar has been covering the Mets for three years, one of the female minority covering baseball.
"I've had my own experiences, one in particular that really relates to almost exactly what she went through. So, it's unfortunate that it's 2021 and women in this industry and in sports media in general have to continue dealing with the same sort of pattern," Thosar said.
On Tuesday morning, team president Sandy Alderson released a statement announcing the general manager's immediate termination, saying Porter "...failed to meet the Mets' standards for professionalism and personal conduct."
The Mets organization said it was unaware of the allegations before bringing Porter on board.
On Monday night, Alderson said, "I have spoken directly with Jared Porter regarding events that took place in 2016, of which we were made aware tonight for the first time. Jared has acknowledged to me his serious error in judgment, has taken responsibility for his conduct, has expressed remorse, and has previously apologized for his actions."
Sports psychologist Dr. Leah Lagos praised the Mets for quickly firing Porter, but said team discussions must continue.
"To be accountable. To make sure that this doesn't happen again, and that it's a team decision. It's a team behavior, not just one person, that everyone's responsible," Lagos said.
Just one year ago, the Mets hired Carlos Beltran as their manager, but chose to cut him loose because of his involvement in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal emerged.
The Mets have yet to announce and interim general manager.
CBS2's Hazel Sanchez contributed to this report
MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK
