Report: 'Entitled' Martinez is a problem in Tigers' clubhouse

Drama continues to brew in Detroit as the Tigers trudge toward the end of one of their worst seasons in over a decade.

Victor Martinez and Justin Verlander had an altercation in the dugout following a bench-clearing brawl with the Yankees in late August, and sources within the clubhouse say that's just the most public sign Martinez has become "an entitled player and a clubhouse problem," reports Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.

The 38-year-old's season ended after he underwent cardiac ablation surgery Sept. 11.

Martinez stopped leading the Tigers as his performance declined over the last two seasons, sources said. The incident that seriously damaged his relationship with his teammates occurred late last season following an Aug. 27 game in which four players, including Martinez, were ejected. When Tigers players entered the clubhouse after the game, Martinez wasn't there, several people with first-hand knowledge of the situation told Fenech.

When Martinez found out his departure had become a popular topic of conversation among the rest of the team, he reportedly confronted another player and accused him of orchestrating a "whisper campaign." Martinez and the player apparently had to be physically separated, and a source said the veteran's handling of the situation didn't go over well with his teammates.

In 107 games this year - his fewest since 2008 - Martinez has hit .255/.324/.372 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs. He's owed $18 million for next season.