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Date: 31 Oct 2006 22:38:21
From: B.S
Subject: Reynolds sues ESPN for $5 million
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Analyst claims he was fired after giving 'brief and innocuous hug' to intern
.- Former ESPN baseball analyst Harold Reynolds sued the network for at
least $5 million Tuesday, saying he was wrongly fired after a female intern
complained about what he called a "brief and innocuous" hug.
Reynolds joined the sports network in 1996 after a dozen seasons as a major
leaguer and was fired July 24. According to his lawsuit, filed in New
Britain Superior Court, ESPN terminated his new six-year, $6 million
contract without specific reasons.
"I have tried everything possible to handle this situation quietly behind
the scenes," Reynolds said in a statement released Tuesday. "After numerous
conversations and multiple mediation discussions with ESPN executives it is
clear that ESPN had no intention of solving this problem amicably."
Reynolds is seeking the money owed to him under the remainder of his
contract, including interest and lost earnings. He is also asking the court
for damages for lost future opportunities.
ESPN officials did not immediately return telephone messages Tuesday
afternoon. When asked about the possibility of a lawsuit Monday, network
spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Reynolds' allegations are without merit and
the network stands by its decision to terminate his contract.
According to the lawsuit, ESPN terminated Reynolds' contract "for cause,"
but gave no further explanation or specific reasons. It also alleges that
ESPN has refused to give Reynolds or state labor officials a copy of his
personnel file.
His contract, according to the lawsuit, said he could only be fired for
"failure to perform," which required "intentional or continual activities"
contrary to ESPN's instructions, or else required "willful or egregious
action ... which would constitute an act of moral turpitude."
"Mr. Reynolds has never, in his career as a baseball player or with ESPN,
intentionally engaged in a 'failure to perform' his duties in any material
respect," the lawsuit said. "For example, he was punctual, well-prepared,
professional, creative and personable, both in the studio and on remote
assignments."
. Week in Sports Pictures Cards on top of the world, tears of joy for U.S.
motorcyclist, a Raven and Saint go head-to-head, and more.
Joseph Garrison, a New Haven-based lawyer for Reynolds, said, "Moral
turpitude, in my opinion, is not reflected by an innocuous hug. I think the
case is very strong."
The lawsuit said Reynolds hugged a female intern in July and the two had
dinner later the same night. Reynolds has not seen the intern since, and
she made no complaints about his actions until three weeks later, the
lawsuit said.
"For 11 years I served ESPN with enthusiasm and dedication," Reynolds said.
"It is unfortunate that ESPN has handled this process in an unprofessional
manner. At the end of the day my integrity, reputation and family are my
top priorities, and for those reasons I need to set the record straight and
clear my name."
Reynolds played for the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles and the
California Angels before joining ESPN. He won three Gold Glove awards and
one stolen base title and was a two-time All-Star.
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Date: 31 Oct 2006 18:10:23
From: sfb
Subject: Re: Reynolds sues ESPN for $5 million
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Other than Reynolds might have driven past a golf course once or twice, why
are you posting this article to rec.sport.golf?
"B.S" <Bass@1234sspam.ca > wrote in message
news:xfQ1h.230695$1T2.185442@pd7urf2no...
> Analyst claims he was fired after giving 'brief and innocuous hug' to
> intern
>
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Date: 01 Nov 2006 08:56:38
From: Loudon Briggs
Subject: Re: Reynolds sues ESPN for $5 million
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At least he posted something involving a "sport" of one kind or
another. :)
"sfb" <sfb@spam.net > wrote:
>Other than Reynolds might have driven past a golf course once or twice, why
>are you posting this article to rec.sport.golf?
>
>"B.S" <Bass@1234sspam.ca> wrote in message
>news:xfQ1h.230695$1T2.185442@pd7urf2no...
>
>> Analyst claims he was fired after giving 'brief and innocuous hug' to
>> intern
>>
>
--
Loudon R. Briggs larebe@bbz.net Phoenix, AZ
"How Can You Not Like A Game Where It's Okay To
Get Teed Off, Tote A Six-Iron, Shoot Birdies,
and If You're Under Par It's A Great Day!"
(from "Frank & Ernest" by Bob Thaves -- used with permission)
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