Broadcaster, former Tigers player Craig Monroe accused of sexual abuse
FOX 2 (WJBK) - WARNING: This story includes details of alleged sexual abuse.
Sports broadcaster and former Detroit Tiger, 47-year-old Craig Monroe was taken off the air, indefinitely, after he was 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 took to social media with the allegations last month.
Monroe, in a statement through his attorney, said he vehemently denies the allegations.
The woman, who also reported the alleged abuse to police, says Monroe sexually assaulted her for years – starting at the age of 12, when Monroe was in his early 20s.
FOX 2 spoke with the accuser, at length, by phone. She asked to remain anonymous.
The accuser's family was Monroe’s host family while he played for a minor league baseball team in Charlotte County, Florida in the early 2000s, she said. It started with Monroe coming into her room to fondle her, and it escalated from there – eventually leading to intercourse when she was 15 years old.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 21: Detroit Tigers tv announcer Craig Monroe looks on during batting practice prior to a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 21, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell
Once she turned 18, the woman and Monroe were in an ongoing consensual and sexual relationship, she said. However, he would "prostitute" her to his friends and acquaintances.
Florida police are actively investigating the alleged crimes, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.
The Detroit Tigers and Bally Sports responded to the allegations in a joint statement.
"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," according to the statement. "We will have no further comment and any questions should be directed to Mr. Monroe."
Detroit Tigers' Left Fielder, Craig Monroe, dejectedly leaves the field after the final out of their game against the Chicago White Sox August 13, 2006 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Tigers were defeated by the White Sox 7-3 and wer
Monroe played with the Tigers for more than five seasons – including during their world series run in 2006. He’s been with the Tigers as a broadcaster since 2012.
The accuser said she wants the public to know that she delayed coming forward until last month out of concern for her and her family's safety, knowing her claims could attract a lot of attention.
FOX 2 Detroit reached out to Monroe multiple times for comment. He did not respond.