FOUL BALLS
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ESPN Must Fire Steve Phillips
Network knew what it was getting in scandal-plagued analyst
By M. Morris
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Posted Oct 22, 09 2:47 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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ESPN knew exactly what it was getting in Steve Phillips, and it has to know that it's time to cut him loose. When the network hired him, "ESPN, already having gained a well-earned reputation as the Sodom and Gomorrah of sports television, must have informed Phillips of the World Wide Leader's overriding commitment to cleaning up its image," writes Bob Raissman. The extramarital shenanigans that came to light this week aren't helping that goal.
In truth, "the only thing ESPN can hang him on is a lack of judgment," writes Raissman, who covers sports media for the New York Daily News. "This is no small matter considering the fact that credibility is essential in the profession Phillips has chosen." Phillips' checkered history extends at least to his tenure as GM of the Mets. "If ESPN brass had concerns over Phillips, they might have put very specific morals clauses in his contract," Raissman argues. "If they didn't, they are morons, albeit trusting ones."