May 26 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway was placed on MLB's ineligible list through the end of the 2022 season after the league's investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct.
In a statement released Wednesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the investigation concluded that Calloway "violated MLB's policies and that placement on the ineligible list is warranted."
The Angels issued a follow-up statement announcing the firing of Callaway as pitching coach, adding: "We appreciate Major League Baseball's diligent investigation and support their decision."
The league said Callaway's placement on the ineligible list is immediate, and he will be eligible to apply for potential reinstatement at the end of the 2022 campaign.
"My family and I fully support MLB's strong stance against harassment and discrimination and are grateful to the Commissioner and his office for their thorough investigation," Callaway said in a news release. "I apologize to the women who shared with investigators any interaction that made them feel uncomfortable.
"To be clear, I never intended to make anyone feel this way and didn't understand that these interactions might do that or violate MLB policies. However, those are my own blind spots, and I take responsibility for the consequences.
"In my 25 years in professional baseball I have never taken for granted the privilege of being even a small part of this great game of ours. To say I regret my past poor choices would be an understatement.
"I remain hopeful that I can return to baseball when eligible at the conclusion of next season, but for now, I plan to work on my own shortcomings and repairing any damage I have caused with my colleagues and, particularly, my family."
Five anonymous women, all of whom work in sports media, accused Callaway of inappropriate behavior in a report from The Athletic earlier this year. According to the women, Callaway sent shirtless photos, requested nude pictures and made other unsolicited advances toward them.
The alleged behavior spanned nearly five years and his employment with three organizations, including his time as the Cleveland Indians' pitching coach and manager of the New York Mets.
The Angels, who hired Callaway as the team's pitching coach after the 2019 season, suspended Callaway in February. The league's investigation then played out over the next three-plus months.
"Harassment has no place within Major League Baseball," Manfred said, "and we are committed to providing an appropriate work environment for all those involved in our game."