Former ESPN Anchor Ron Franklin Sues
Ron Franklin, ESPN anchor who was fired earlier this month for comments directed at a female colleague, filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in a Texas court against ESPN. Before his firing, Franklin apologized for "saying things I shouldn't have." Franklin allegedly referred to sideline reporter Jeannine Edwards as "sweet baby," and when Edwards objected, Franklin then allegedly called her an "ass----."
Although employment is typically "at will," Franklin had an employment contract with ESPN. Franklin claims that his comments did not justify his termination, since they did not violate the "failure to perform" clause of the contract. Without a copy of the contract, it is impossible to evaluate the merits of Franklin's claim. However, it is difficult to believe that there isn't a clause in the contract that would apply to such comments directed at a colleague.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.