Sports broadcaster and former Detroit Tiger, 47-year-old Craig Monroe, was removed from the air indefinitely after being accused of sexually abusing a woman since she was a minor.
FOX 2 confirmed with sources close to the situation that Monroe was taken off the broadcast schedule hours after a 35-year-old woman shared the allegations on social media last month.
The woman, who also reported the alleged abuse to police, claims Monroe sexually assaulted her for years, starting when she was 12 and Monroe was in his early 20s.
FOX 2 spoke extensively by phone with the accuser, who requested anonymity.
According to the accuser, her family hosted Monroe while he played for a minor league baseball team in Charlotte County, Florida, in the early 2000s. She said the abuse began with Monroe fondling her and escalated to intercourse when she was 15. Once she turned 18, she and Monroe had a consensual sexual relationship, during which he allegedly “prostituted” her to his friends and acquaintances.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Florida police are actively investigating the alleged crimes and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
The Detroit Tigers and Bally Sports issued a joint statement in response to the allegations:
“Bally Sports Detroit and the Tigers are aware of the social media allegations and take them seriously. As previously stated, Mr. Monroe has not been on the broadcast schedule and that will continue on an indefinite basis. We will have no further comment, and any questions should be directed to Mr. Monroe.”
Monroe played with the Tigers for over five seasons, including their 2006 World Series run, and has been a broadcaster for the team since 2012.
The accuser stated she delayed coming forward until last month out of concern for her and her family’s safety, knowing her claims could attract significant attention.
FOX 2 Detroit reached out to Monroe multiple times for comment, but he did not respond.
