NEW YORK — Two men once associated with the New York Yankees are facing separate sexual misconduct allegations that have shaken their post-baseball careers.
Former outfielder Cameron Maybin has been accused of workplace harassment while working as a broadcaster in Detroit. Former team chaplain Mark Vega faces felony charges in Florida tied to child abuse cover-ups at his church.
Maybin, a member of the Yankees’ 2019 roster, allegedly made inappropriate comments to female colleagues and sent late-night messages during his time with Bally Sports Detroit in 2023, according to an investigation by The Athletic.
One woman said Maybin told her “he liked watching her walk away from him” early that season. At least two others received late-night texts, including one that read, “probably not the best idea we hang I’m trying to stay married,” and another that said, “You can always stop by, my door is wide open for you.”
Investigation reveals broader pattern at Tigers organization
The Athletic interviewed more than 45 current and former employees in its months-long investigation. Several described a “boys club” culture within Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which oversees the Tigers and other Detroit sports properties.
Human resources staff began asking about Maybin in May 2023. Despite the concerns, he continued appearing on Tigers broadcasts through the season. His contract was not renewed for 2024.
FanDuel Sports Network, which replaced Bally Sports Detroit, said in a statement: “Upon being made aware of the allegations against Cameron Maybin and Craig Monroe, we coordinated with the Tigers, and both were removed from the network’s broadcasts, and their contracts were not renewed.”
Maybin did not respond to requests for comment.
Yankees connection adds complexity
Maybin remains a fond memory for Yankees fans who recall his strong 2019 season. He hit .285 with 11 home runs and nine stolen bases in 82 games, helping New York to 103 wins. He posted a 128 wRC+ and 1.6 fWAR that year.
After retiring in 2021, Maybin moved into broadcasting. He worked for YES Network in 2022 before joining the Tigers’ broadcasts. He has also appeared on MLB Network and currently works on the digital show Foul Territory.
Former Yankees chaplain faces criminal charges
In Florida, Vega, who served as Yankees chaplain from 1999 until recent years, has been accused of failing to report child sexual abuse at his Gainesville church.
According to an Aug. 20 complaint filed in Alachua County Circuit Court, Vega “knowingly and willfully” tried to prevent allegations of abuse at Ignite Life Center from reaching police. Florida law requires anyone with knowledge of child abuse to report it.
Vega also operates the Ignite School of Ministry, which attracts teens and young adults nationwide.
Multiple arrests linked to church
Since July 2023, three people tied to Ignite Life Center have been arrested for child sexual abuse. They include former volunteer Gabriel Hemenez, Vega’s son Christian Vargas, and Noel Cruz, the son of a former associate pastor.
The complaint says Vega was told of abuse allegations as early as 2019 but chose to handle the claims internally. In 2022, when his adult son and another man were accused of coercing underage girls into sex, Vega allegedly met with a victim’s family and devised a plan to avoid reporting the matter to police.
Connection to Yankees legend raises stakes
Vega’s ties to Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera have added to the attention. Rivera and Vega built a relationship during Vega’s time with the Yankees. Rivera has spoken at Assemblies of God events where Vega was present.
Rivera and his wife Clara now face a lawsuit alleging they failed to protect a girl who was sexually abused during a 2018 summer camp linked to Vega’s church. Rivera’s attorney has called those claims “completely false.”
Legal consequences mount
As of late August 2025, Vega has not been arrested. Gainesville police confirmed they submitted a sworn complaint, but the State Attorney’s Office has not filed formal charges.
Attorney Jessica Arbour, who represents five alleged victims, said Vega and other church leaders followed a “pattern and practice of ignoring, and in some cases actively covering up,” reports of abuse.
“Child sexual abuse happens not just because of abusers, but also because of systemic failures that make the abusers feel that it is safe to abuse kids,” Arbour said.
Broader implications
The cases highlight how positions of influence in sports and faith communities can be abused if oversight fails.
For Maybin, the accusations have ended a rising career in broadcasting. For Vega, the felony charges threaten decades of ministry tied to one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
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