ESPN’s Woj ban will last 2 weeks
With even LeBron James tweeting, “#FreeWoj,” there is a time table for ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski’s return.
Wojnarowski’s unpaid suspension will be for two weeks, The Post has learned.
ESPN took the action in response to Wojnarowski emailing
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) “F--k you” after Hawley sent a letter questioning NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league’s relationship with China.
ESPN has not offi- cially acknowledged Wojnarowski’s work status, but he will not be reporting again until near the end of the month. This includes tweeting news.
On Friday, after Hawley went to Twitter to reveal Wojnarwoski’s email, the network called it “unacceptable” in a statement, but has declined further comment.
Soon after, ESPN scrapped Wojnarowski’s planned trip to Orlando, Fla., to report from the bubble this week. The issue of Wojnarowski’s email came to light when Hawley tweeted about it on Friday.
Though it is not fully clear when the clock on Wojnarowski’s suspension begins, he is expected to return by Saturday, July 25. The NBA is scheduled to resume its season July 30.
Wojnarowski, 51, has received support from ESPN management, who, according to sources, have expressed disappointment, but have no plans to implement any further discipline. The situation has caused an unneeded headache for executives as the network struggles without sports. Behind the scenes, Wojnarowski has expressed contrition to his bosses, expressing he was wrong to send the email.
In a statement on Friday, Wojnarworski acknowledged he was wrong. Wojnarowski and current ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro have a strong relationship, dating back to when they both worked at Yahoo.
On Sunday, Hawley, 40, said ESPN should not suspend Wojnarwoski, but instead should report on NBA and China’s relationship. After James wrote, “Free Woj” with two fists bumping, Hawley quickly seized on it, tweeting, “Now try #FreeHongKong.”