Ex-Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski: 'Nobody owes me any explanations'

Former Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski reacted to his release from the team on Wednesday.

Former Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski reacted to his release from the team on Wednesday, telling the Detroit News that no one owes him any explanations. 

The Tigers released Dombrowski, who held the official title of president, CEO and GM, from his contract on Tuesday after 14 years. Detroit promoted assistant general manager Al Avila to replace him.

Dombrowski told the News that his release had “nothing to do with contract negotiations.” In a statement, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch said that Dombrowski, whose contract was set to expire after this season, was released from it “in order to afford him the time to pursue other career opportunities.”

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“I respect that when you own the team you can run it however you like. I’ve had a wonderful 14 years here, and that’s a long time in this game,” said Dombrowski. “But owners can do whatever they like. It’s their particular desire to make certain decisions, and I understand that.  Nobody owes me any explanations.”

The Tigers were 938–1000 with Dombrowski as general manager, winning the AL Central in each of the last four seasons and reaching the 2006 and 2012 World Series.

Detroit (51–55) is currently tied for third in the AL Central and hosts the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

-  Molly Geary