[ad_1]
While a member of the Chicago Cubs organization, the new New York Mets general manager, Jared Porter, allegedly sent unwanted explicit photos to a reporter who was in the United States from another country.
This is the disturbing story of Jeff Passan and Mina Kimes tonight:
New York Mets general manager Jared Porter sent explicit photos, including a nude photo of a penis, to a foreign reporter in 2016 after ignoring dozens of other messages from her for weeks.
Details in the report with @minakimes on ESPN: https://t.co/gAOzQlTeAf
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 19, 2021
Next, Cubs director of scouting Porter reportedly sent over 60 text messages to the reporter, without receiving a response, before sending the explicit images. Porter admitted to texting the woman, but said the explicit images were “a bit like joke images.” The impact on the career and well-being of the journalist has been significant. It is a very sad and disturbing story.
The entire story is worth reading for the context and events that unfolded over a period of several years.
Mets President Sandy Alderson told ESPN: “I spoke directly with Jared Porter about the events that took place in 2016 that we were first informed about tonight. Jared admitted to me his serious error in judgment, took responsibility for his conduct, expressed remorse, and previously apologized for his actions. The Mets take these matters seriously, expect professional and ethical behavior from all of our employees, and certainly do not tolerate the conduct described in your story. We will follow up as we examine the facts about this serious issue. “
Fearing possible retaliation, the reporter did not contact the Cubs, Porter’s employer, at the time. The journalist’s lawyer put her in touch with a (now) former Cubs employee in her home country at the time of the texts, although it is not known at what level this employee worked, which this person tried to accomplish, etc. The report only mentions that the employee seemed to be trying to strike a balance, but there may have been a dispute between the two over whether she should take legal action.
There will be a lot more to come on this, as Porter’s conduct, as described, is indefensible. You’re not doing the things alleged in the relationship if you’re just trying to have a normal conversation with a coworker or even a romantic interest. He’s crossed a lot of lines, and that’s before he got to the very obvious and huge line crossed with the unwanted explicit images.
The Cubs front office – much of which still overlaps since 2016 – will be in a hurry to discuss what he knew about Porter’s conduct at the time and, if so, what he did with it. Here is their statement so far to ESPN: “This story caught our attention tonight and we are not aware that this incident was ever reported to the organization. Had we been informed, we would have taken swift action as the alleged behavior violates our code of conduct. Although these two are no longer with the organization, we take the issues of sexual harassment seriously and plan to investigate the matter. “
Porter, who had served as the Diamondbacks ‘assistant general manager before being hired by the Mets at the start of the offseason, was also viewed by outsiders as a candidate for the Cubs’ open GM position.
The full ESPN report is here, and it will take me a minute to digest it. I hate that this woman had to go through what she went through and the impact it had on her life and career. Keep this part in mind as you read.
[ad_2]
Source link