Overview
- The Guardian’s investigation, drawing on 17 sources and documents, outlines multiple allegations of racist, sexist and homophobic remarks and inappropriate touching dating to Tanner’s 2018 arrival.
- Many claims were first raised in a wide-ranging MLSPA complaint filed in January, with the outlet reporting it found supporting evidence for most of the cited incidents.
- MLS confirmed it closed its months-long investigation in September without corroborating the allegations but required Tanner to complete a structured remedial workplace-conduct program, his second.
- The Union said Tanner was previously found to have made potentially insensitive gender-based comments and underwent training, and the club said it was not previously aware of the MLSPA complaint’s allegations.
- Specific allegations include a 2019 HR notice about unwanted touching of a female employee and a homophobic slur directed at referee Nima Saghafi during a June 10, 2023 match; Tanner denies the accusations, PRO condemned such language if proven, and he remains in his role as the team continues its playoff run.