Mets fire veep for alleged bad behavior

FLUSHING, N.Y., July 27 (UPI) -- The New York Mets said Monday they fired executive Tony Bernazard for a string of alleged episodes, including challenging minor league players to fight him.

Omar Minaya announced at a news conference he let Bernazard go following a team investigation.

"(Human Resources) presented to me the facts yesterday," Minaya said. "I met with Tony Bernazard yesterday, showed him the facts that were there. And when it was all said and done, my recommendation to ownership was that we needed to let Tony Bernazard go."

The 52-year-old vice president for player development allegedly had removed his shirt and challenged several Class AA players to a fight prior to the All-Star break. The New York Daily News reported he allegedly went after middle infielder Jose Coronado after accusing players on the team of underage drinking.

In another incident, Bernazard allegedly got upset and spewed a string of profanity because he could not immediately take a seat occupied by an Arizona Diamondbacks scout.

The report also alleged Bernazard got into a heated argument with team closer Francisco Rodriguez on the team bus this month.

Bernazard hit .262 in 1,071 games over 10 seasons in the majors as a middle infielder for Montreal, the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland, Oakland and Detroit. He joined the Mets' front office in 2004.