Example for discussion? New York Mets GM Jared Porter - Now Fired‼️

Just one month after his hiring, the New York Mets have fired general manager Jared Porter after ESPN reported that he sent explicit unsolicited texts and images to a female baseball reporter in 2016. At the time, the reporter was working in the US for a foreign media outlet, and Porter, considered a rising star, was working for the Chicago Cub’s front office. According to reports, the text messages were casual at first and then became more aggressive when she tried to ignore his requests to meet. Worried about responding and unsure how to interpret his intentions (English not being her first language), the reporter attempted to ignore more than 60 text messages and pictures that followed, including a very offensive naked photo of his alleged private parts. With help from a friend, she composed a response that asked him to stop. “This is extremely inappropriate, very offensive, and getting out of line. Could you please stop sending offensive photos or msg?” He later apologized in a series of texts. 

ESPN first learned about the text messages in 2017 and contacted the reporter who refused to go on record for fear of harming her journalism career.

Today, the reporter is no longer working in journalism. After learning that Porter had taken on a GM position and was now in a more significant position of power, she decided to share her story on the condition of anonymity to help prevent Porter’s behavior from happening to others. She asked that her identity not be revealed to protect her against retaliation in her home country, where sexual harassment is tolerated without repercussion. 

As we note in ‘Play Nice - Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace,’ this behavior is unacceptable and constitutes sexual harassment, violating the law. As a target, don’t hesitate to ask for text messages to stop the moment you are offended. Be honest about how they make you feel. If the violator ignores your request, report him (or her) to the boss or file a formal complaint. All companies should have a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment. 

If you find yourself attracted to someone, note how that person may be reacting to your communications, whether by email, text, or in person. If you sense that they are not comfortable, are hesitant in any way, or are not responding to you, STOP. Apologize if you made things awkward. Move on and leave that person alone. Sending lewd texts and photos is never acceptable and certainly not a shining example of how to start a relationship. As Porter found out the hard way, inappropriate behavior can ruin your career years or even decades later. 

What will you do today to be #beupstanding and help #changetheculture for an environment without #sexualharassment, #abuse, and #racism? #TimesUp. Let’s #playnice. For more info on this topic and other related issues, check out “Play Nice - Playground Rules for Respect in the Workplace,” which we wrote to educate men and women, and join us at www.thesandboxseries.com.

#humanresources #respectintheworkplace #changetheculture #MeToo #TimesUp #sexualharassment #respectforwomen #workplaceallies #heforshe