ESPN fires Hugh Douglas after allegedly calling co-host ‘Uncle Tom’
theGRIO REPORT - Another analyst is out at ESPN and this time it's Hugh Douglas. Tuesday, the 'Numbers Never Lie' panelist was let go after an alleged incident involving ESPN colleague 'NNL' co-host Michael Smith...
Another analyst is out at ESPN and this time it’s Hugh Douglas. SI.com’s Richard Dietsch first reported the firing Tuesday.
“He no longer works for us, effective today,” an ESPN spokesperson told Dietsch.
Douglas, a panelist on the network’s “Numbers Never Lie” debate show, was allegedly involved in what an ESPN spokesperson described as a “disagreement” between him and “NNL” co-host Michael Smith.
TheBigLead first reported the alleged incident, which occurred earlier this month at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Orlando, Florida. According to TheBigLead’s Jason McIntyre, “Douglas was inebriated and threatened to beat up” Smith three times during a party at Orlando’s House of Blues on August 3rd.
Additionally, McIntyre reports Douglas called Smith an “Uncle Tom” and a “House N—–” because he wouldn’t help him get on stage where a DJ was playing music for the party. Douglas reportedly then grabbed Smith’s wrist and arm before both were separated by security and others in attendance at the party.
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Douglas confirmed the news on Twitter Tuesday morning:
I am very disappointed to be leaving ESPN and will have more to say about this situation and my future at the appropriate time
— Hugh Douglas🤘🏿 (@Bighugh53) August 13, 2013
In January, the network parted ways with “First Take” guest host Rob Parker. Parker referred to Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III as a “cornball brother,” suggesting RGIII was “kind of black.”
Douglas, 41, joined ESPN in 2011 as a studio analyst. He previously worked in sports radio for 610 WIP in Philadelphia. Douglas was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1995.
He retired in 2004.
Follow theGrio.com’s Sports Editor Todd Johnson on Twitter @rantoddj
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