Minnesota Twins player Miguel Sano has denied an accusation made against him of sexual assault.
Hours after a statement surfaced from photographer Betsy Bissen on Twitter alleging she was a victim of sexual assault at the hands of Sano in 2015, the Twins slugger claimed "it never happened," to TMZ Sports.
Related: Twins' Sano accused of sexual assault by photographer
A statement obtained by TMZ Sports read:
"I unequivocally deny the allegation made against me today - it never happened.
"I have the utmost respect for women, especially those working in professional sports, and I deeply sympathize with anyone who has experienced sexual harassment. There is no place for it in our society."
Bissen, a photographer for many Minnesota outlets, frequently shot photos for Twins Daily, a local website covering the Twins.
She claimed Sano grabbed her by the wrist and tried to forcefully pull her through a door in an attempt to kiss her after an autograph signing in 2015.
