In the wake of massive discipline handed down by MLB to the Houston Astros over the organization’s sign-stealing scheme, general manager Jeff Luhnow has responded.
Issuing a statement in which he accepted responsibility for the rules violations that occurred on his watch, Luhnow was adamant that he had nothing to do with the cheating that took place.
“I am not a cheater,” Luhnow’s statement read. “Anybody who has worked closely with me during my 32-year career inside and outside baseball can attest to my integrity. I did not know rules were being broken.”
Luhnow also pointed to MLB commisioner Rob Manfred’s statement which noted Luhnow did not personally direct, oversee or engage in any misconduct.
Here’s Luhnow’s full statement, per Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal:
Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were both fired by the Astros after MLB came down hard on the organization Monday.
Though, in the eyes of many, the franchise actually got off easy.