A day after Gawker’s Deadspin published multiple stories about rumored sexual misconduct at ESPN, the sports network has come out with a strong response.
In a statement Thursday, ESPN SVP of Corporate Communications Chris LaPlaca referred to Deadspin’s “self-admitted rumor mongering” as “despicable behavior by any standard.” LaPlaca: “[The rumors are] not worthy of response and those responsible should be called to account. … Our company is not perfect but we will continue to do all we can to provide each of our employees with a positive working environment.”
On Wednesday, Deadspin published several articles accusing ESPN employees — from on-air personalities to high-ranking executives — of sexual misconduct with fellow employees. That came in the wake of news that ESPN MLB analyst Steve Phillips had been suspended for having an affair with an ESPN production assistant.
Deadspin originally heard about a similar situation involving Phillips in early September, but the story was denied by ESPN. In an interview with Midwest Sports Fans, Deadspin editor A.J. Daulerio “[admitted] that a major factor in his decision to post the stories was … a dissatisfaction with how ESPN (in particular Josh Krulewitz) handled his initial requests for information about the Steve Phillips story in early September.”
Sources: ESPN, Midwest Sports Fans
