Leominster Officer Investigated Over Racial Slurs Aimed At Carl Crawford
BOSTON (CBS) - An investigation is underway to determine whether a Leominster police officer made racial slurs targeting Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford last week.
The remarks were made during a minor league baseball game last week while Crawford was rehabbing with the Portland Sea Dogs during a game in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzerella confirmed that the officer was under investigation.
He says Leominster police got a couple of tips that seem to check out.
"Things started to add up, first placing this particular officer at the game, and then his whereabouts in proximity to the field," he told WBZ-TV's Christina Hager.
The mayor says if The allegations turn out to be true, it could lead to disciplinary action, and even dismissal.
"Obviously he (Crawford) took it badly, and we don't want it to reflect badly on us...Leominster is a diverse urban community," the mayor said.
Crawford, who has not played a major league game this season while battling wrist and elbow injuries, began a short rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday.
Crawford could return to the Red Sox on Monday.
WBZ-TV's Christina Hager contributed to this report. You can follow her on Twitter @HagerWBZ.
