New York Post says ESPN Fires Harold Reynolds

[Bearcat729]

I wonder what happened



http://www.nypost.com/sports/espn_fires_reynolds_sports_andrew_marchand.htm


ESPN FIRES REYNOLDS

By ANDREW MARCHAND

July 25, 2006 -- ESPN yesterday fired analyst Harold Reynolds from Baseball Tonight, sources told The Post. The reason was not immediately known.

"We are not going to comment," ESPN VP Josh Krulewitz said.

When asked how they are going to explain that Reynolds will never be on the air again, Krulewitz still declined comment.

Reynolds did not return calls.

Reynolds, 45, had been with ESPN 11 years. He had been a fixture on the show, which is a gathering spot for baseball fans, players and team executives.

The program already is dealing with the loss of information man Peter Gammons. Gammons is recovering from a brain aneurysm that occurred at the end of last month. The show's main analysts had been Reynolds, Gammons and John Kruk.

In Gammons' absence, ex-Met GM Steve Phillips has played a bigger role on the show. The program uses several analysts, including Orel Hershiser, Tino Martinez and Jeff Brantley.

Last night, host Karl Ravech was joined by Kruk and Phillips. Reynolds usually is on Monday nights.

Reynolds was known for a smooth style that usually was player friendly. He never found himself in too much controversy for what he said on the air. In fact, ESPN was so high on him he was expected to stay with the network through its just signed eight-year deal with MLB.

Now, after yesterday, Reynolds is no longer welcome in Bristol.

[WSUCougar]

That sucks. I've always liked Harold Reynolds.

Now what, we get more Tino? UGH.

[John Galt]

This just seems so odd. It makes you think that there is something seriously wrong going on behind the scenes. Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense (especially with Gammons gone).

[Samdari]

That sucks. I've always liked Harold Reynolds.

Now what, we get more Tino? UGH.

Or more Orestes Destrade?

[Crapshoot]

Hey, ESPN is trying to sell its programming to idiots - the John Kruk's of the world. That being said, on the thread at primer, the anonymus ESPN employee mentioned that it was "for a good reason." it can't be sexual harassment, since half the football idiots have apparently had time off for that..

[albionmoonlight]

Maybe ESPN is secretly uber-racist and they didn't want people to see an intelligent black man who could provide actual useful analysis on air.

This rumor will get some legs if he is replaced by Michael Irvin.

[moriarty]

I don't think he yells at the audience enough - they need someone more like Stephen A. :D

Seriously though, Harold always seemed like a good guy. Hope he didn't do something really stupid or hope he's not having some personal issues like drugs/alcohol.

[Toddzilla]

Any development that results in more air time for brain-dead Steve Phillips is bad for humanity.

[GrantDawg]

Liked Harold. Now if they had fired Joe Morgan, that would have been cause to celebrate.

[Crapshoot]

Liked Harold. Now if they had fired Joe Morgan, Steve Phillips, John Kruk, Tim Kurjikan or Jeff Brantley that would have been cause to celebrate.

Fixed.

[Philliesfan980]

he groped an intern. my friend told me about this this morning and said that was the reason why

Is this sarcasm or true? A lot of my friends at work want to know, I don't want this thing getting out of control.

[Swaggs]

Steve Phillips is the worst. Harold is okay, but is unable to be critical of anyone.

[moriarty]

he groped an intern. my friend told me about this this morning and said that was the reason why

Pix pls.

[Anthony]

Is this sarcasm or true? A lot of my friends at work want to know, I don't want this thing getting out of control.

i'm sorry, i was completely mistaken. i read my friend's email very quickly and he said "he must have groped an intern to get fired". my bad, i will delete my original post so as not to confuse people

[moriarty]

i'm sorry, i was completely mistaken. i read his email very quickly and he said "he must have groped an intern to get fired". my bad, i will delete my original post to as not to confuse people

I should have known better ... if it's not breaking news on SportsDigs then it's probably just a rumor.

[kcchief19]

Was I the only one who thought he appeared to be drunk during the home run derby telecast at the all-star game? That was my first thought when I saw the headline. I thought it was readily apparent he was significantly impaired.

[Desnudo]

Hey, ESPN is trying to sell its programming to idiots - the John Kruk's of the world. That being said, on the thread at primer, the anonymus ESPN employee mentioned that it was "for a good reason." it can't be sexual harassment, since half the football idiots have apparently had time off for that..

Interesting and articulate has no place in the ESPN world. Although maybe he was the straw that broke Suzy Kolber's back.

[cartman]

Evidently, there is something to the "groping an intern" angle. The buzz is that he was fired for sexual harrassment. But without any official announcement, it's all hearsay at this point.

[kcchief19]

Interesting and articulate has no place in the ESPN world. Although maybe he was the straw that broke Suzy Kolber's back.
Let's keep Suzy Kolber out of this and I'll keep this out of Suzy Kolber.

[Solecismic]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/HaroldReynolds11/hrangel.jpg

Well, he did finish his career with California.

[Johnny Slick]

:mad: Harold Reynolds will always be a Mariner to me.

[cuervo72]

Mmm, Roma Downey...

(the Italian fabric softener! Still love that Letterman line...)

[cougarfreak]

hxxp://www.deadspin.com/sports/top/was-this-why-harold-got-the-axe-189733.php

This site is saying sexual harrasment as well.

[kcchief19]

hxxp://www.deadspin.com/sports/top/was-this-why-harold-got-the-axe-189733.php

This site is saying sexual harrasment as well.
Of course, Dead Spin also had Albert Pujols shooting himself up with every horse steroid known to man, so let's wait and see.

I still think there was something odd about that home run derby broadcast.

[Young Drachma]

I wondered where he was the other night. I find Kruk and Steve Phillips unbearable. He wasn't great, but..seriously.

That said, it took them this long to can him for hitting on female PAs (if that's true...) when he's been there forever? Geez....that said, I guess you gotta get tough or something.

Too bad CNN/SI doesn't exist anymore..guess he'll have to go on the Best Damn Sports Show now...

[dervack]

I wondered where he was the other night. I find Kruk and Steve Phillips unbearable. He wasn't great, but..seriously.

That said, it took them this long to can him for hitting on female PAs (if that's true...) when he's been there forever? Geez....that said, I guess you gotta get tough or something.

Too bad CNN/SI doesn't exist anymore..guess he'll have to go on the Best Damn Sports Show now...
Do they have am all-male staff at Best Damn?

[Young Drachma]

Do they have am all-male staff at Best Damn?

Yup.

But when they do bring in women, its mostly to ogle over them and have them talk...but its clear that they're not really listening to what they're saying...dreaming about boobies. No one there would care whether he wanted to hit on women. Hell, they'd probably appreciate it.

Surely, HR has to be an upgrade over Rob Dibble.

[dervack]

Yup.

But when they do bring in women, its mostly to ogle over them and have them talk...but its clear that they're not really listening to what they're saying...dreaming about boobies. No one there would care whether he wanted to hit on women. Hell, they'd probably appreciate it.

Surely, HR has to be an upgrade over Rob Dibble.
I meant behind the scenes, not on the air.

[AgustusM]

I liked Reynolds

Tino Martinez is the single stiffest guy I have ever seen on non-porn TV.

[cartman]

Here is a more reputable source backing up the sexual harassment charges:

hxxp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003152044_reynolds26.html

Analyst Reynolds out at ESPN

Harold Reynolds, one of ESPN's most visible analysts and a long-time panelist on "Baseball Tonight," has left the network in the wake of one or more incidents of sexual harassment.

An ESPN spokeswoman Tuesday confirmed Reynolds' departure but repeatedly declined to provide a reason for it.

Three people who work at ESPN and were familiar with the case said the cause was a pattern of sexual harassment, apparently culminating in a recent incident involving one of the network's young production assistants.

Reynolds, a major-leaguer for 12 seasons before joining ESPN in 1996, did not appear on "Baseball Tonight" Monday after having worked the Sunday show, during which he joined fellow analyst Steve Phillips in suggesting the Yankees trade Alex Rodriguez.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Reynolds, from Corvallis, Ore., said he was fired by ESPN at a meeting Monday while in the first year of a six-year pact.

Sexual harassment charges are nothing new at ESPN, which operates out of a sprawling "campus" in relatively isolated Bristol, Conn., and employs many production assistants in their early 20s looking for a start in the television business.

The network has an extensive program of education and sensitivity regarding gender issues and an elaborate system for pursuing claims of sexual harassment.

Reynolds was a Gold Glove-winning second baseman for the Mariners, and also played for the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels.

In addition to "Baseball Tonight" Reynolds, 45, who is married and has an infant daughter, worked as a game analyst for special events such as the Little League World Series and College World Series.

Reynolds was extremely popular personally among ESPN staffers, many of whom were shocked when the story of his dismissal began to circulate Monday afternoon.

[cuervo72]

Harold should hook up with the 'Good Night' woman....

[bulletsponge]

Maybe ESPN is secretly uber-racist and they didn't want people to see an intelligent black man who could provide actual useful analysis on air.

This rumor will get some legs if he is replaced by Michael Irvin.

He wasnt loud or obnoxious enough, so they fired him. he didnt fit thier type cast of a black man enough

[hukarez]

Did a little bit of searching, came across this rather brief report:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2529688


'Baseball Tonight' analyst Reynolds no longer at ESPN

<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox --> ESPN.com news services

<!-- begin text11 div --><!-- begin leftcol --> BRISTOL, Conn. -- Harold Reynolds, a baseball analyst with ESPN since 1996, is no longer with the network, the company confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
ESPN offered no further comment.

Reynolds, a member of the "Baseball Tonight" team for 11 years, made his last appearance on the show Sunday night, ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Tuesday.

Reynolds, who played 12 major league seasons with the Mariners, Orioles and Angels, joined ESPN in 1996. In addition to his work on "Baseball Tonight," the former Gold Glove-winning second baseman also covered the College World Series and the Little League World Series for the network.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Logan]

Did a little bit of searching, came across this rather brief report:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2529688

Not to be a dick, but....where's the news here?

[hukarez]

Not to be a dick, but....where's the news here?

None, I suppose.

Was trying to find some kind of official statement, I guess -- thought there'd be a little bit more info at the least? I figured, with that fiasco with Michael Irvin awhile ago, there'd be a bit more with Harold than just a simple notice.

Maybe it's just me, though.

[Logan]

None, I suppose.

Was trying to find some kind of official statement, I guess -- thought there'd be a little bit more info at the least? I figured, with that fiasco with Michael Irvin awhile ago, there'd be a bit more with Harold than just a simple notice.

Maybe it's just me, though.

Oh...well it's their policy to not comment on this type of dismissal. I guess Irvin's situation was an offense that the public could see, which brought their reaction.

[hukarez]

Oh...well it's their policy to not comment on this type of dismissal. I guess Irvin's situation was an offense that the public could see, which brought their reaction.

Ahh...good point. I guess I really didn't take that part into consideration!

I guess I'm still a bit shocked over his release when I first saw this thread a few days ago. My other buddies that were surprised to hear of it as well, and had inquired if there was some sort of official release regarding Harold's dismissal...which, well, lead to my prior post after some searches.

[KWhit]

'Baseball Tonight' analyst Reynolds no longer at ESPN
ESPN.com news services

BRISTOL, Conn. -- Harold Reynolds, a baseball analyst with ESPN since 1996, is no longer with the network, the company confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

ESPN offered no further comment.

Reynolds, a member of the "Baseball Tonight" team for 11 years, made his last appearance on the show Sunday night, ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Tuesday.

Reynolds, who played 12 major league seasons with the Mariners, Orioles and Angels, joined ESPN in 1996. In addition to his work on "Baseball Tonight," the former Gold Glove-winning second baseman also covered the College World Series and the Little League World Series for the network.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.


Ok. How funny is it that ESPN is reporting this about themselves and yet, "Information from The Associated Press was used in this report."

WTF?

:)

[jbmagic]

I am innocent.


Thursday, July 27, 2006

Report: Reynolds fired for sexual harassment

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK -- Harold Reynolds was fired by ESPN from his job as a baseball analyst after he was accused of sexual harassment, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

The former Mariner and Gold Glove-winning second baseman, a member of the "Baseball Tonight" team for 11 years, said he didn't do anything to warrant his dismissal and wants his job back.

"It was a total misunderstanding," Reynolds told the Post. "My goal is to sit down and get back. To be honest with you, I gave a woman a hug and I felt like it was misinterpreted."

The newspaper, quoting sources, reported that the woman is an ESPN employee.

On Tuesday, ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Reynolds, 45, made his last appearance on the show Sunday. ESPN refused to comment on reports that Reynolds was dismissed, or to provide any details regarding his departure.

"All I can say is he is no longer working here," Krulewitz said.

[jbmagic]

Reynolds focusing on future


Reynolds focusing on future
Updated 7/27/2006 8:08 PM ET
By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY
Former major league player Harold Reynolds said ESPN/ABC Sports President George Bodenheimer told him Wednesday that ESPN will not reconsider its decision earlier this week to fire him.

"I had a meeting," Reynolds said, "but rather than focus on the details, I'd prefer to focus on the future."

Reynolds, 45, was informed Monday he was being fired for sexual harassment, according to three people with direct knowledge of the case.

ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys declined to comment.

Reynolds said he was in the first year of a six-year contract with ESPN.

"I don't understand all of the factors that went into ESPN's decision," Reynolds said, "but management has always had the power to terminate, and they decided to exercise it. I respectfully disagree with their decision, but I'm not going to sacrifice my relationship with ESPN just to make a media point."

Reynolds spent 11 years at ESPN as an analyst after playing 12 seasons in the majors.

As of Wednesday night, the homepage of his website —www.haroldreynolds.com— was still carrying a banner that said the site is "in association with ESPN." The banner carried ESPN's logo, which, when clicked on by users, provided a link to ESPN's website. Reynolds' site also had a photograph of Reynolds holding a baseball emblazoned with ESPN's logo.

The site is primarily a vehicle for marketing instructional DVDs that Reynolds produced with the cable network.

Reynolds, who is married and has one child, said Wednesday night he has received several other broadcasting offers and strong interest from other entities.

"The phone started ringing as soon as the news hit, and I'm flattered by that," he said. "People around baseball know what kind of person I am. That's why I'm getting the offers I am. ... This is a period of transition and growth for me. Sometimes, you don't see the growth until you look back."

***

Contributing: Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY

[Ksyrup]

Reynolds says he'll sue ESPN

Posted: Monday October 30, 2006 9:17PM; Updated: Monday October 30, 2006 9:17PM

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) -- Harold Reynolds plans to sue ESPN over his departure from the network as a baseball analyst last summer.

Reynolds played 12 major league seasons and joined ESPN in 1996.

"I have tried everything possible to handle this situation quietly behind closed doors. After numerous conversations and multiple mediation discussions with ESPN executives, it is clear that ESPN had no intention of solving this problem amicably," Reynolds said in a statement.

"For 11 years, I served ESPN with enthusiasm and dedication. 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."

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said Monday that the network had been made aware that Reynolds either has filed a lawsuit or plans to in coming days.

"The suit is without merit," Krulewitz said. "We stand by our decision and have no further comment now that litigation has begun."

[Subby]

Nice - gotta think we'll see a whole lot of good dirt now... :D

[Bearcat729]

Here is the smoking gun's copy of the suit

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1031061espn1.html

[Mustang]

Should have took her to Sizzler instead.. this would have never happened.

[kcchief19]

"The phone started ringing as soon as the news hit, and I'm flattered by that," he said. "People around baseball know what kind of person I am. That's why I'm getting the offers I am. ... This is a period of transition and growth for me. Sometimes, you don't see the growth until you look back."


"For 11 years, I served ESPN with enthusiasm and dedication. 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."


So, Mr. Reynolds, were you lying in July when you said your phone was rinding and you had so many offers that you didn't need to look back or are you lying now when you say that you need to set the record straight? Does that mean you were also lying when you said the hug was innocuous? Tell us about the dinner at Boston Market. Aren't you aware that Boston Market is makeout central?
.

[miami_fan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/06/12/bc.bbo.mlb.reynolds.ap/index.html

NEW YORK (AP) -- Fired by ESPN last year, former major leaguer Harold Reynolds was hired as a broadcaster by MLB.com.

Reynolds sued ESPN in October, contending he was wrongly fired from a $6 million, six-year contract after a female intern complained about what he called a "brief and innocuous" hug. He had been with the network since 1996.

Reynolds was to make his MLB.com debut Tuesday and will be on site following the All-Star break five times each week at 2 p.m. EDT. Other former players on MLB.com include Billy Sample, Jim Leyritz, Brian McRae and John Marzano.