Craig Monroe 'vehemently' denies social media allegations

DETROIT – Craig Monroe “vehemently” denies social media allegations that have led to his absence from Detroit Tigers telecasts in recent weeks.

Monroe has been off the air since the team's June 7-9 series against the Milwaukee Brewers. On Tuesday, the Tigers and Bally Sports Detroit confirmed his absence was due to allegations made against him by a woman on social media.

Craig Monroe Controversy:Everything we know and don't know

The woman posted on Twitter and Instagram last month accusing Monroe of raping her when she was a child. She said he was living with her family and playing for the Port Charlotte Rangers at the time.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office in Florida confirmed that an investigation is underway involving Monroe.

Monroe released a statement Tuesday night through his attorneys, Manley & Manley — a criminal defense firm based in Flint.

Here is the full statement:

Craig Monroe failed to take these horrific and false allegations seriously when they surfaced on various social media sites. Now that the mainstream media has chosen to report this inaccurate information, Craig has no choice but to vehemently deny these allegations. We will cooperate with law enforcement and are confident that once this matter is fully investigated, Craig will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Craig Monroe takes allegations of this nature very seriously and would never commit or condone such despicable conduct. He and his family are shocked by these allegations and offer his accuser forgiveness and grace. We hope that law enforcement will uncover the truth about his background and motivations.

Manley & Manley Law Firm

Monroe, 47, played 672 games for the Tigers between 2003 and 2007. He has been a member of the broadcast team for several years.