LEOMINSTER, Mass. -- A Massachusetts police officer is under investigation after allegations that he directed a racial slur at Boston Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford last week.

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said the patrolman is on vacation and will be placed on desk duty next week. The city's inquiry is expected to conclude Tuesday.

Mazzarella, a life-long Red Sox fan, didn't name the officer but says he's a 5-year veteran and white, with no prior disciplinary issues.

Crawford, who is black, was on a rehab assignment with the Portland Sea Dogs on July 5 when he says before a game against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in Manchester, N.H., a heckling fan called him a "monday," which can be a derogatory term for blacks.

Fisher Cats president Rick Brenner has apologized to Crawford.