Analyst Zaun axed by Sportsnet for ‘inappropriate behaviour’
Baseball commentator Gregg Zaun has been fired from Sportsnet due to “inappropriate behaviour and comments” toward female employees.
Rick Brace, president of Rogers Media, said in a statement Thursday the company was terminating the contract of the Toronto Blue Jays analyst effective immediately.
“This week, we received complaints from multiple female employees at Sportsnet regarding inappropriate behaviour by Gregg Zaun in the workplace,” the statement said.
“After investigating the matter, we decided to terminate his contract, effective immediately. This type of behaviour completely contradicts our standards and our core values. We believe in a professional workplace where all employees feel comfortable and respected. We are grateful to our employees who spoke with us and we will take every measure to protect their privacy,” it said.
Zaun, a former Blue Jays catcher, began a part-time broadcasting career with Sportsnet following the 2006 season. He initially signed a two-year deal as a Major League Baseball studio analyst with Sportsnet in 2011 and continued working with the network until his termination.
Zaun, 46, played 16 major-league seasons, including five years in Toronto from 2004 to ’08. He captured a World Series with the Florida Marlins in 1997.
Sportsnet said on its website there were no allegations of physical or sexual harassment.
Zaun, who referred to himself as “the Manalyst,” was ridiculed over Twitter in 2012 when he tweeted a disparaging comment about women in a Toronto nightclub.