Zaun’s firing not a surprise to co-workers
Female employees at Sportsnet speak out against MLB analyst
TORONTO (CP) — Sportsnet’s firing of baseball analyst Gregg Zaun came as no surprise to some of the network’s female staffers. What they could not understand was why it took so long.
The day after the former Blue Jays catcher was fired for “inappropriate behaviour and comments,” two Sportsnet employees painted a picture of an offensive workplace environment where sexist comments are tolerated, and they have feared speaking up.
“Zaun’s on-air brand and image was based around aggressive masculinity so when he wore (undershirts) around the office and made rude sexual comments directly to women, or in close proximity of women, with the clear intention of making us uncomfortable, it was sort of implied: that’s who he was, deal with it,” said one employee, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals at work.
“I think he was able to get away with this for so long because as a woman at Sportsnet, you certainly didn’t feel empowered to report the inappropriate behaviour of a former professional athlete nicknamed ‘The Manalyst,’ especially to an all-male senior management team.”
Zaun, 46, began a part-time broadcasting career with Sportsnet following the 2006 season. He played 16 major league seasons, including five years in Toronto from 2004-08, and captured a World Series with the Florida Marlins in 1997.
“(Zaun’s firing) happened because finally somebody felt comfortable enough to speak up,” said another female Sportsnet employee, who never worked directly with Zaun. “But it’s unfortunate that for so long, if you think of how long he’s been with the network, there’s a control room of so many people and there’s not one person who feels comfortable to flag that this isn’t right.”
The 20-something employee, who also didn’t want to be identified, spoke of offensive comments that stretched beyond Zaun.
“It is openly accepted that over intercom (between the studio and in-game staff) we can objectify women in the stands of hockey games, we can discuss girlfriends and wives of athletes and use language that should not be accepted under any circumstances,” she said. “I have received text messages complimenting what dress I was wearing, and how an individual wanted to ride the elevator alone with me. It’s unfortunate that it’s been a situation where I now keep notes on things.”
“I’m one of those people who don’t feel comfortable enough bringing it to another level right now.”
Neither of the women who spoke to The Canadian Press filed complaints against Zaun.
Zaun did not return multiple requests for comment made through his representatives, his website or LinkedIn account.
Asked about the allegations made by the two women, Rogers Media president Rick Brace said via a statement: “It’s really important to us that our employees feel comfortable sharing their feedback openly and honestly.”