Astros fire Taubman after clubhouse outburst at female reporters

The Houston Astros fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman, the team announced Thursday.

Taubman was under investigation by Major League Baseball for taunting three female journalists in the clubhouse during the Astros' ALCS celebration about the team's acquisition of closer Roberto Osuna.

The Astros also apologized to Sports Illustrated reporter Stephanie Apstein, who originally reported on the incident. The club disputed her account of Taubman's comments when the story first broke. Two other reporters subsequently corroborated the details of her story.

"Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman's inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter," the Astros said in a statement. "We were wrong. We sincerely apologize to Stephanie Apstein, Sports Illustrated, and to all individuals who witnessed this incident or were offended by the inappropriate conduct. The Astros in no way intended to minimize the issues related to domestic violence.

"Our initial belief was based on witness statements about the incident. Subsequent interviews have revealed that Taubman's inappropriate comments were, in fact, directed toward one or more reporters. Accordingly, we have terminated Brandon Taubman's employment with the Houston Astros. His conduct does not reflect the values of our organization and we believe this is the most appropriate course of action."

According to Apstein, Taubman turned toward three female reporters in the clubhouse as the Astros celebrated their series victory over the New York Yankees and repeatedly shouted, "Thank God we got Osuna! I'm so f------ glad we got Osuna!"

Osuna was traded to the Astros from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018 while he was serving a 75-game suspension for violating the league's domestic violence policy.

One of the reporters Taubman targeted was wearing an anti-domestic violence purple bracelet.

Speaking with the media Thursday, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said he hasn't reached out to Apstein or any of the other reporters to personally issue an apology, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

"I have been traveling up here," Luhnow said. "I had to have a pretty tough conversation this morning with someone that's worked with me for a long time. But I will, as soon as I can."

Luhnow did acknowledge that how Taubman behaved was "devastating," according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post.

"I wouldn't wish it on anyone in this room, just like I wouldn't wish it on anyone in this room to sit up here and answer these questions, either."

Luhnow also explained the team was under the impression that the reporters overheard the comments. He didn't explain why the Astros claimed Apstein fabricated the report nor would he divulge who was responsible for writing the statement saying so, Janes adds.