Mets Fire GM Jared Porter for Sending Explicit Texts to Journalist

New York Mets general manager Jared Porter was abruptly fired on Wednesday after ESPN reported that he sent explicit and uninvited text messages to a female reporter in 2016 while working for the Chicago Cubs. The team's President, Sandy Alderson, returned as president when Steven Cohen bought the team, and he stated that the incident was a "wakeup call" for the organization to re-evaluate its hiring process, emphasizing the importance of thorough background checks. Alderson claimed that the team conducted a comprehensive background check, but did not consult with any women during the hiring process. Porter's four-year contract was worth $5 million.

Key Takeaways:

• Jared Porter, the New York Mets' general manager, was fired on Wednesday after a report by ESPN revealed that he sent explicit and uninvited text messages to a female journalist in 2016.
• Porter was given a four-year contract worth $5 million by the Mets, and his brief tenure lasted just 38 days.
• The team's President, Sandy Alderson, emphasized the importance of thorough background checks, stating that the incident was a "wakeup call" for the organization.
• Alderson admitted that the Mets did not consult with any women during the hiring process, which was criticized as a lack of diversity and inclusion.
• Porter sent dozens of unanswered texts to the woman, including a picture of an erect, naked penis, as reported by ESPN.
• Alderson stated that the Mets will conduct more in-depth probing, including FBI-level investigations, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
• Porter's firing was widely supported by Mets employees, with almost 400 staff members agreeing that the incident was unacceptable.
• Alderson stated that the team will increase its attention to baseball operations, with Zack Scott being promoted to senior vice president and assistant general manager.
• John Ricco, the team's senior vice president and senior strategy officer, will work closely with Alderson and other senior staff members to advise on baseball operations.

Statistics:

• 38: The number of days Jared Porter lasted as Mets general manager.
• 5 million: The value of Porter's four-year contract with the Mets.
• 400: The number of Mets employees who agreed that Porter's actions were unacceptable.
• 4: The number of years Porter was contracted to work as Mets general manager.
• 1: The first woman general manager in MLB history, hired by the Miami Marlins in November.

Sources:

• ESPN: The report that led to Porter's firing, stating that he sent explicit and uninvited text messages to a female journalist in 2016.
• Associated Press: Reporting on Porter's firing and the Mets' statement regarding the incident.
• New York Times: Reporting on a gender discrimination complaint filed against Steven Cohen's company, Point72 Asset Management.
• Bloomberg: Reporting on a grievance filed by a Point72 employee against the company.