Former Cubs Executive, and Current Mets GM, Jared Porter Allegedly Sent Unwanted Explicit Texts to a Female Reporter

While he was a member of the Chicago Cubs organization, new New York Mets GM Jared Porter reportedly sent unwanted explicit photos to a female reporter who was in the United States from another country.

That’s the disturbing story tonight from Jeff Passan and Mina Kimes:

Then the Cubs’ director of scouting, Porter allegedly sent upwards of 60 texts messages to the reporter, without receiving a reply, before sending the explicit images. Porter acknowledged texting with the woman, but claimed the explicit images were “kinda like joke-stock images.” The impact on the reporter’s career and wellbeing was significant. It’s a very sad, disturbing story.

The whole story is worth reading for the context and the events that took place over a period of years.

Mets President Sandy Alderson offered a statement to ESPN: “I have spoken directly with Jared Porter regarding events that took place in 2016 of which we were made aware tonight for the first time. Jared has acknowledged to me his serious error in judgment, has taken responsibility for his conduct, has expressed remorse and has previously apologized for his actions. The Mets take these matters seriously, expect professional and ethical behavior from all of our employees, and certainly do not condone the conduct described in your story. We will follow up as we review the facts regarding this serious issue.”

Out of concern about possible retaliation, the reporter did not contact the Cubs, Porter’s employer, at the time. The reporter’s lawyer put her in contact with a (now) former Cubs employee from her home country at the time of the texts, though it’s unclear what level that employee was working at, what that person tried to accomplish, etc. The report mentions only that the employee seemed to try to play the middle ground, but there may have been a dispute between the two about whether she should file a lawsuit.

There will be much more coming on this, because Porter’s conduct, as described, is indefensible. You don’t do the things alleged in the report if you’re just trying to have a normal conversation with a colleague or even a romantic interest. It crossed a lot of lines, and that’s before we get to the very obvious and enormous line crossed with the unwanted explicit pictures.

The Cubs front office – much of which still has overlap from 2016 – will be pressed to discuss what they knew about Porter’s conduct at the time, and if any, what they did about it. Here’s their statement for now, to ESPN: “This story came to our attention tonight and we are not aware of this incident ever being reported to the organization. Had we been notified, we would have taken swift action as the alleged behavior is in violation of our code of conduct. While these two individuals are no longer with the organization, we take issues of sexual harassment seriously and plan to investigate the matter.”

Porter, who had been an assistant GM with the Diamondbacks before being hired by the Mets earlier this offseason, was also considered by outsiders to be a candidate for the Cubs’ own open GM job.

The full ESPN report is here, and I’ll need a minute to digest. I hate that this woman had to experience what she experienced, and the impact it had on her life and her career. Keep that part in mind as you read.

UPDATE: Porter has been fired by the Mets.

written by

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Latest News

Nick Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Teammates, Says Changes Are Needed

The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Pacers vs Bucks Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...

Pirates vs. Red Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday at 6:40 PM ET, Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) take on Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at PNC Park.Find out how to watch the Pittsburgh-Boston matchup below.When is Pirates vs. Red Sox and...

Padres vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (11-10) host George Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming options for the San...

Giants vs. Diamondbacks: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Blake Snell will take the ball for the San Francisco Giants (8-11) when they host starter Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:15 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Friday, Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) face Pete Alonso and the New York Mets (10-8), with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.Keep reading to find out how to...

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

On Friday, April 19 at 8:10 PM ET, a three-game series featuring the Minnesota Twins and the visiting Detroit Tigers will begin.Twins vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Twins Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:10 PM ET Twins Starting Pitcher:...

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

A three-game series featuring the St. Louis Cardinals and the visiting Milwaukee Brewers will begin on Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET.Cardinals vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Cardinals Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET Cardinals Starting...

Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The Baltimore Orioles will be on the road, opening a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET.Royals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Royals Time: Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET...

more cubs news