ESPN, one of the most reputable sports networks, has fired Marly Rivera, a well-known national baseball reporter, after a heated argument with a female colleague. The altercation, which was captured on camera, occurred after Rivera accused her fellow reporter, Ivón Gaete, of ignoring her interview request with New York Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge. In the heat of the moment, Rivera used offensive language directed toward Gaete.
Despite her attempts to apologize, Gaete rejected Rivera’s remorse. Rivera has admitted to using derogatory language but suggested that her dismissal was unwarranted. In a statement to The New York Post, she claimed that her firing was the result of being targeted by a group of individuals with whom she had professional disagreements.
Rivera had made significant contributions to ESPN, serving as a writer and on-air personality for both English language platforms, as well as for ESPN Deportes.
Her firing has left many in the sports journalism community stunned, as she was highly respected for her ability to bring a fresh and insightful perspective, particularly when interviewing Latin players.
This incident has also brought to light the use of the C-word, which is considered highly offensive and derogatory towards women. Recently, Tucker Carlson, a conservative commentator, was fired from Fox News for using the word.
While Rivera has accepted responsibility for her actions and expressed remorse, some question whether her firing was justified. There were reportedly “extenuating circumstances” surrounding the incident, but it is unclear what those circumstances were.