Astros Fire Assistant GM Brandon Taubman Over Clubhouse Incident With Female Reporters
HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - The Houston Astros have fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman for directing inappropriate comments at female reporters following Houston's pennant-winning victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday.
The team released a statement Thursday that said Taubman's conduct did not reflect the organization's values "and we believe this is the most appropriate course of action."
Taubman has previously apologized for using language that was "unprofessional and inappropriate" in the clubhouse following the victory.
Sports Illustrated reported he repeatedly yelled toward a group of female reporters about closer Roberto Osuna, who was suspended for 75 games last year for violating MLB's domestic violence policy before being traded from Toronto to the Astros.
Taubman shouted, "Thank God we got Osuna! I'm so (expletive) glad we got Osuna!" according to SI, which said he made similar remarks several times, punctuating them with a profanity.
This happened after Osuna gave up a game-tying two-run homer in the 9th inning of Game 6 of the American League Championship series, before the Astros rallied to win the game in the bottom of the 9th.
The Astros originally accused Sports Illustrated of making up the story about Taubman's rant towards them.
Here is the Astros full statement on Taubman's firing on Thursday:
During the past two days, the Astros pro-actively assisted Major League Baseball in interviewing Astros employees as part of MLB's investigation of the events published in the recent Sports Illustrated article. Major League Baseball also separately interviewed members of the media over the past 24 hours.
Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman's inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter. We were wrong. We sincerely apologize to Stephanie Apstein, Sports Illustrated and to all individuals who witnessed this incident or were offended by the inappropriate conduct. The Astros in no way intended to minimize the issues related to domestic violence.
Our initial belief was based on witness statements about the incident. Subsequent interviews have revealed that Taubman's inappropriate comments were. in fact, directed toward one or more reporters. Accordingly we have terminated Brandon Taubman's employment with the Houston Astros. His conduct does not reflect the values of our organization and we believe this is the most appropriate course of action.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
