MLB Exec Bob Bowman Resigned Due to Alleged 'Troubling Workplace Behavior'

Major League Baseball executive Bob Bowman resigned after 17 years with the league last month due to alleged inappropriate behavior in the workplace, according to Rachel Bachman and Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal.

Commissioner Rob Manfred reportedly forced Bowman out after two separate incidents over the past year, one where he allegedly verbally abused a coworker and another where he allegedly shoved an executive. However, per the report, there were also troubling patterns of behavior by Bowman that have taken place for more than 10 years.

On Nov. 6, Bowman announced he would not seek a new contract.

The 62-year-old was known for leading MLB Advanced Media as well as spinoff digital platform BAMTech. Walt Disney Co. spent $1 billion for a 33 percent stake in BAMTech last year and recently added $1.58 billion for a 75 percent share.

However, Bowman allegedly was also responsible for "cultivating a culture of partying and heavy drinking" with employees and propositioned female colleagues. He also allegedly hired women at the 2016 All-Star Game who were "widely believed by attendees to be escorts."

He apologized for his past behavior in a statement:

"The culture that started at BAM was hard working and driven. At times, it was also inappropriate and I take full responsibility. This inappropriate behavior reflects my personal flaws and not someone else’s. This behavior and my personal behavior were wrong. To those who felt the sting of my behavior, I am truly sorry. To my family, friends and business colleagues who have been steadfastly supportive of me, and whom I have embarrassed, I apologize."

MLB and MLB Advanced Media have previously worked in separate offices but plan to move to a unified space in 2019.