Why was ESPN's Steve Phillips Suspended?

M. E. Guy
It has been reported that Steve Phillips has been suspended from the ESPN for a week. Steve Phillips is the former general manager of the New York Mets baseball team and currently works for ESPN on their Baseball Tonight show. According to reports from the New York Post, Phillips has admitted to having a sexual affair with a 22 year old production assistant. Phillips also admitted to dumping the assistant, Brooke Hundley after sleeping with her several times this past summer. Hundley has reportedly sent messages to Phillips' wife and harassed her. Phillips' wife even provided a statement regarding Hundley's actions. The New York Post also notes that Marni Phillips is suing her husband Steve for divorce as a result of this latest scandal. It appears that Steve Phillips has been involved in other past sexual scandals as well.

Should a worker be punished and penalized for private misbehavior? This question comes to the forefront as I think about Steve Phillips. Without a doubt, his actions were not morally correct, but should any employee lose precious work time and wages as a result of their inappropriate actions outside of work. Quite possibly, the ESPN network has a policy or some type of guideline regarding employee behavior. Some companies and organizations specifically prohibit fraternization and/or sexual relationships between individuals who work in the same environment. Surely this affair by Steve Phillips has become a major distraction and embarrassment to ESPN. On the other hand, has he already paid a hefty enough price in his personal life. Moreover, the episode has undoubtedly impacted the four sons of Steve Phillips. Phillips' teenage son even had to write a statement connected to the events associated with Brooke Hundley. She reportedly has harassed the son as well as the wife of Steve Phillips.

This situation shifts my memory to the 1987 thriller movie, Fatal Attraction. The movie features Michael Douglas and Glenn Close and demonstrates what can go wrong in the aftermath of an extra-marital affair gone sour. One thing is certain, if you are involved with someone outside of your marriage at work or elsewhere, it can end up costing you much more than you might initially think. If you need proof, refer to the fatal fiasco that occurred with the former Tennessee Titans quarterback, Steve McNair.

Published by M. E. Guy

M. E. Guy does freelance writing and also enjoys writing for pleasure. He has spent numerous years in the education field and has worked as a middle and high school teacher. He has served as a middle schoo...  View profile

3 Comments

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  • Marie Lowe11/26/2009

    Its sad that this type of behavior is common in today's world.

  • Sheri Fresonke Harper11/21/2009

    Good question and report :)

  • Pattie Byrd10/21/2009

    With all the singles out there available, it's always strange to me that someone will get themselves in this kind of a mess. I guess a TV program has to assume that anything that tarnishes their image is detrimental, but it is just a personal matter among this bunch.

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