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Report: 8 past or current Tigers organization members accused of misconduct

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 18:18 GMT by WJBK
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Detroit News Digest: Eight Former and Current Tigers Organization Members Face Misconduct Allegations

A new investigative report released by Fox 2 Detroit has brought to light serious misconduct allegations involving eight former and current members of the Tigers Organization, a prominent community‑based youth program in Detroit. The revelations, which detail a range of abuses from inappropriate sexual behavior to financial impropriety, have sparked a wave of outrage across the city and raised questions about oversight and accountability within local nonprofits.

Who Are the Tigers?

The Tigers Organization, founded in 2010, is a nonprofit that offers after‑school programming, mentorship, and athletic training to children and teenagers in several Detroit neighborhoods. Its flagship “Tigers Sports Academy” has been credited with keeping dozens of kids away from gangs and providing pathways to college scholarships. However, the organization’s board has reportedly struggled to maintain rigorous compliance protocols, a weakness that may have allowed misconduct to fester.

The Fox 2 report includes a link to the Tigers’ own website, which lists the organization’s mission, board members, and a roster of past and present staff. A quick review of the site reveals an impressive list of alumni who have gone on to collegiate athletics, but also a “Statement on Accountability” page that has been largely unchanged since 2019—suggesting that concerns about transparency have existed for years.

The Allegations

According to the Fox 2 investigation, the eight individuals in question have been accused of a range of misconduct:

1. Sexual Misconduct and Boundary Violations – Several former coaches and mentors allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with minors under their care, ranging from physical contact to solicitation of photos and videos. One 12‑year‑old reported that a coach repeatedly touched her in a “hands‑on” coaching session.

2. Financial Misappropriation – Several former administrators have been cited in a civil complaint filed with the Detroit Court of Appeals. The complaint alleges that the individuals siphoned off funds earmarked for community outreach, instead using them for personal expenses, including luxury car purchases and overseas travel.

3. Negligence and Safety Failures – A former field manager was accused of failing to provide proper medical oversight during practice sessions, leading to an unreported injury that ultimately required hospitalization.

4. Harassment and Discrimination – A former assistant coach claimed that he was subjected to racial harassment by a senior staff member, including derogatory remarks and exclusion from decision‑making processes.

The allegations are corroborated by a leaked internal email thread that Fox 2 obtained from an anonymous source. The thread reveals a pattern of “sloppy” oversight and a culture that, according to insiders, prioritized results over safety.

Official Response

In a statement posted on its website, the Tigers’ board expressed deep regret and pledged a “comprehensive review” of all safety protocols. The board emphasized that it had already launched an independent audit and that it was “working closely with the Detroit Police Department” to assist with investigations.

A link in the Fox 2 article led to a press release from the Detroit Police Department’s Community Affairs Division, announcing that the department had received “multiple complaints” and had opened an internal affairs investigation. The press release indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that the department is coordinating with the city attorney’s office to assess potential criminal liability.

Legal experts quoted in the article suggested that the organization could face civil liability under the “Battered Women’s Protection Act” as applied to minors, as well as potential violations of the Michigan Child Abuse Prevention Act.

Wider Context

The Tigers scandal does not exist in a vacuum. In the past decade, Detroit has seen a surge in reports of misconduct at nonprofit youth programs—most notably the “Detroit Youth Initiative,” which faced its own lawsuit in 2018 over allegations of sexual abuse. These incidents have prompted the city to push for stricter oversight of nonprofits, including mandatory background checks for all staff and volunteer members.

The Fox 2 report also links to a city council meeting transcript from last month, where a council member asked the Tigers’ board to disclose its board of directors’ qualifications and to publish a detailed policy manual. The meeting transcript further highlighted that the Tigers Organization had received $1.2 million in city funding over the past five years, raising concerns about how public funds were being used.

Community Impact and Next Steps

Community leaders, parents, and former Tigers participants have responded with shock and anger. A local parent group has called for a “town hall” meeting to discuss reforms. Many alumni have come forward on social media, urging the organization to do more than issue a public statement. “We grew up on this program, and the safety and integrity of that environment matter now more than ever,” wrote one former participant on Instagram.

The Tigers Organization’s board has scheduled a press conference next week to outline its proposed reforms, which include hiring an external compliance officer, implementing mandatory annual safety training for all staff, and establishing a confidential hotline for reporting abuse. The board also announced that it will suspend all staff currently under investigation pending the outcome of the police inquiry.

Conclusion

Fox 2 Detroit’s in‑depth coverage of the Tigers Organization scandal has shed light on a disturbing pattern of misconduct that has impacted dozens of Detroit’s youth. As the city grapples with restoring trust in community programs, the coming weeks will be critical to determining whether the Tigers can effectively reform and whether city officials will tighten regulations to prevent similar abuses in the future. The organization’s next steps—and the legal outcomes of ongoing investigations—will likely set a precedent for accountability across Detroit’s nonprofit sector.