Another controversy involved longtime clubhouse attendant Donald Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was accused of sexual abuse of minors between 1971 and 1991 while working in the Red Sox spring training clubhouse in Winter Haven, Florida. The abuse was reported to the team by victims and players who witnessed it, but Fitzpatrick remained employed. Yawkey, and later his wife Jean after Tom's death, protected Fitzpatrick from the allegations, according to two sources with knowledge of their relationship. During Fitzpatrick's time in the organization, Red Sox players allegedly warned young boys, especially those who were African-American, to not spend time with Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick would continue as Red Sox clubhouse attendant for 15 years after Tom Yawkey’s death. 