A Massachusetts police officer was put on paid leave Wednesday after an internal investigation found that he directed a racial slur at Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford, the Associated Press is reporting.
Officer John Perrault was suspended pending a disciplinary hearing scheduled for next week at which he could face more severe punishment, and even could be fired, Leominster mayor Dean Mazzarella and police chief Robert Healey said.
The off-duty incident occurred July 5 during a minor league game in Manchester, N.H., between the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Portland Sea Dogs. Crawford was rehabbing from a wrist injury and playing for the Sea Dogs.