MLB Claims That Former Astros GM Jeff Luhnow May Have Destroyed Evidence During Sign-Stealing Investigation

MLB: Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball has revealed that former Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow deleted cell phone data during their sign-stealing investigation into the team two years ago. To the contrary of what MLB reportedly discovered, Luhnow alleges he only deleted sensitive material involving his wife, 51-year-old Gina Luhnow. The league stated that Luhnow deleted backup data, as well as other information.

The report by Commissioner Rob Manfred did not highlight Luhnow’s deletion of phone data as part of the infractions. The 10-page report detailed a myriad of topics, including the discipline handed down to the Astros. Luhnow was suspended for one year, which led to Luhnow being fired by the Astros. Manager A.J Hinch was also fired by the Astros after being suspended for one year. The league also stripped the team of their 1st & 2nd round draft picks for the next two years, as well as issued the maximum $5 million dollar fine allowed under league rules.

Read more about it HERE.

An excerpt from Evan Drellich’s upcoming book about the reported scandal claims Luhnow never told his investigators that he deleted data from his phone until he was confronted during his second interview.

“Your credibility is further impacted by the fact that you permanently deleted information from your phone and its backups in anticipation that my investigators would seek to search your phone,” Manfred wrote to Luhnow. “You did not tell my investigators that you had done this until they confronted you about it in your second interview. While you explained that you were simply deleting sensitive personal photographs, I have no way to confirm that you did not delete incriminating evidence.”

Luhnow has denied the allegations, claiming that he was not aware of rules being broken. “I am not a cheater,” he said. “Anybody who has worked closely with me during my 32-year career inside and outside baseball can attest to my integrity.”

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