Zaun offers ‘absolute apology’ for conduct
TORONTO — Fired Sportsnet baseball analyst Gregg Zaun was “blindsided and emotionally gutted” by recent allegations of inappropriate comments toward female colleagues, saying in a statement Monday that he “naively” believed his language was not offensive.
In an “absolute apology” issued through his Toronto-based lawyer Stuart Ducoffe, the former Blue Jays catcher said he was sorry “for any harm or distress which may have been caused by my comments with any female colleagues over the recent past.
“It has never been my intention to give offence to anyone,” he said.
Zaun was fired as an MLB studio analyst on Thursday after multiple female Sportsnet employees complained about his inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
“After investigating the matter, we decided to terminate his contract, effective immediately,” said Rick Brace, president of Rogers Media, in a statement. “This type of behaviour completely contradicts our standards and our core values.”
Monday’s statement was Zaun’s first public response to the allegations.
“I have done a lot of soul searching over the last few days and know that my ignorance of the harm caused by my language does not excuse it – for which I accept responsibility,” he said. “While I am well recognized for my unfiltered criticism of others within the sports world, which has made many critics and enemies – in ignorance I allowed a similar attitude to influence all aspects of my lifestyle, causing distress for female colleagues.”
Zaun’s dismissal comes at a time when allegations of sexual harassment are widespread in the film industry, politics and the newsroom with prominent figures such as producer Harvey Weinstein, broadcaster Charlie Rose and Today show host Matt Lauer among those accused.
According Sportsnet.ca, there were no allegations of physical or sexual assault against Zaun.
Two Sportsnet employees who spoke with The Canadian Press on Friday painted a picture of an offensive workplace environment where sexist comments are tolerated and women are afraid to speak 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 began a part-time broadcasting career with Sportsnet following the 2006 season. He initially signed a two-year deal as a MLB studio analyst with Sportsnet in 2011 and continued working with the network until his termination.
Leilani finished with 21 points and Haggarty ended up with a 17-point game, while Michelle Bos collected 15 points. Madison Landry and Vasiliki Louka each picked up 23 points and Kylie Pozniak had a 17-point effort for UNBC (4-7). Louka also hauled in 15 rebounds, while Emily Holmes contributed four assists.
The win improved the WolfPack’s record to 6-5 heading into the Christmas break. UNBC beat TRU 86-81 on Friday.
The UNBC men (4-8) lost 93-72 to TRU on Saturday as the WolfPack (5-7) stretched their winning streak to three games.
Luke Morris led all shooters with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Sixteen of his points and 11 of his rebounds came in the first half, helping TRU build a 42-30 lead after 20 minutes. Derek Rhodes had a 23-point game and Joe Davis hit for 18 points.
Jovan Leamy shot a team-high 16 points for the T-wolves. Fourthyear UNBC forward Vaggelis Loukas picked up 15 points and nine rebounds, Marcus MacKay had 12 points and James Agyeman finished with six assists.
TRU defeated UNBC 86-80 on Friday.
Both UNBC teams resume their Canada West schedules Jan. 5-6 at the Northern Sport Centre when they host UBC Okanagan. The Twolves men will travel to Halifax for the eight-team Shoveller tournament, Dec. 29-31.