SEATTLE -- An investigation by Major League Baseball into allegations of racism and sexism against the Mariners by former director of high performance Dr. Lorena Martin uncovered "no credible evidence" to support those charges, according to a statement released Wednesday by MLB.
Martin, who was dismissed in October after one season in the newly created position that oversaw all aspects of physical and mental training, has filed a lawsuit charging wrongful termination and breach of contract.
Martin went on social media after being placed on leave by the Mariners following the season and accused general manager Jerry Dipoto, manager Scott Servais and director of player personnel Andy McKay of a series of racist and sexist remarks, which led MLB to investigate.
MLB's statement:
"On November 13, 2018, Major League Baseball announced that it would investigate allegations made by Dr. Lorena Martin, a former employee of the Seattle Mariners, regarding her treatment by the organization and her claims that senior Club officials made derogatory and inappropriate comments. The investigation was conducted by Epstein Becker Green, a national law firm specializing in labor and employment matters, whose attorneys interviewed seventeen potential witnesses, including Dr. Martin.
"The firm did not uncover credible evidence that the Mariners, or any of its employees, violated Major League Baseball's Workplace Code of Conduct, or applicable anti-discrimination law, in the treatment of Dr. Martin or the termination of her employment. The investigation also concluded that there is no credible evidence to support Dr. Martin's claim that Mariners' employees, including Jerry Dipoto, Scott Servais, or Andy McKay, made any of the comments attributed to them in her public statement or subsequent lawsuit.
"Because of the ongoing litigation, MLB will have no further comment on this matter."
The Mariners also issued a statement on Wednesday noting that MLB's findings supported their own internal investigation as well as a second investigation they conducted through an outside firm.
The Mariners' statement:
"The Mariners take allegations of misconduct seriously and investigate them fully. We respect and value all of our employees, including their right to raise workplace concerns. We act swiftly to address all concerns, as we did in this case.
"An outside investigation, conducted by Epstein Becker Green, a national law firm specializing in employment law on behalf of Major League Baseball, arrived at the same conclusion as our internal and independent investigations, finding no credible evidence of violations by Mariners employees. Due to continuing litigation, we'll have no further comment."