Just two days after ESPN suspended Donovan McNabb and Eric Davis amid sexual assault allegations, the network is now having to deal with new allegations made against their on-air talent.
On Thursday, the Boston Globe published an explosive report on sexual harassment at ESPN, including accusations against anchor John Buccigross and fantasy sports writer Matthew Berry.
According to the Globe Adrienne Lawrence, who joined ESPN in 2015 alleges that Buccigross sent her several unwanted shirtless photos and that ESPN retaliated against her when she complained to higher ups about Buccigross’s behavior.
Via Boston Globe
Lawrence accused John Buccigross, a longtime SportsCenter anchor who she viewed as a mentor, of sending unsolicited shirtless photographs of himself and calling her “dollface,” “#dreamgirl,” and “#longlegs” in messages from 2016 reviewed by the Globe. Lawrence said she tried to remain cordial in the e-mails but at one point responded: “You need to wear clothes, sir.”
When rumors spread that the two were in a relationship, Lawrence repeatedly complained to company officials and was advised by a supervisor to drop the matter, according to the complaint.
Lawrence said ESPN retaliated against her by reducing her on-air shifts and ultimately denying her a permanent position. The other fellow, a male, received a job offer. The Globe interviewed three former employees who Lawrence had confided in at the time about her treatment and confirmed her account.
“I considered Adrienne to be a friend,” Buccigross said in a statement to the Globe. “I’m sorry if anything I did or said offended Adrienne. It certainly wasn’t my intent.”
The allegation against Berry comes from actress/ model Jenn Sterger, who previously described sexual harassment at ESPN in a series of tweets back in October.
— Jenn Sterger (@jennifersterger) October 24, 2017
