A day after he was fired by the Detroit Tigers for reportedly making insensitive comments towards an employee, pitching coach Chris Bosio insisted he did not direct a slur towards any employee.
According to USA Today, Bosio used the words ‘Spider Monkey’ when referring to a player in Detroit’s farm system. According to Bosio, the employee, an African-American employee, overheard the comment and thought the coach was talking about him.
“Someone in our coaches’ room asked me (Monday afternoon) about Stumpf,’’ Bosio said, via USA Today. “And I said, “Oh, you mean, ‘Spider Monkey.’ That’s his nickname. He’s a skinny little white kid who makes all of these funny faces when he works out.”
According to the report, Bosio said he was referring to left-handed pitcher Daniel Stumpf and the funny faces he makes when working out. Stumpf, who is currently on a rehab assignment in the minors, is allegedly nicknamed “Spider Monkey”.
Bosio told USA Today that after it was reported to the organization, he was called into a meeting with Tigers general manager Al Avila, assistant general manager John Westhoff and manager Ron Gardenhire.
“Al said, we got all of our information, and we’re firing you because of your insensitive comments,’’ Bosio said, via USA Today. “I said, “Comments? There was one comment. And it wasn’t even directed at the kid.”
According to the report, Bosio is planning to hire an attorney to determine if he can file a wrongful termination lawsuit against the team.
After Detroit terminated Bosio, it brought on Rick Anderson to serve as the team’s pitching coach for the remainder of the season.