LEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts police officer is under investigation after allegations that he directed a racial slur at Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford last week.
Leominster (LEH’-min-stuhr) Mayor Dean Mazzarella said the patrolman is on vacation and will be placed on desk duty next week. The city’s inquiry is expected to conclude Tuesday.
Mazzarella, a life-long Red Sox fan, didn’t name the officer but says he’s a 5-year veteran and white, with no prior disciplinary issues.
Crawford, who is black, was on a rehab assignment with the Portland Sea Dogs on July 5 when he says before a game against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in Manchester, N.H., a heckling fan called him a “monday,” which can be a derogatory term for blacks.
Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner has apologized to Crawford.
