Outkick has reported that ESPN has suspended Adrian Wojnarowski after an email encounter he had with Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley.
The controversial encounter began earlier this week when the NBA made an announcement about their plans to promote social justice during the remainder of the season. Specifically, the league will allow players to wear messages promoting social justice on the backs of their jerseys. For example, players can wear messages such s “Equality” and “Black Lives Matter” on the backs of their jerseys.
In response to this development, Hawley’s office reportedly sent an email criticizing the plan. The senator’s email argues that players should have the option to wear messages supporting law enforcement or criticizing China’s political leadership as well. After reading this email, Wojnarowski responded with a message that read, “F*ck you!” Shortly thereafter, Hawley tweeted, “Don’t criticize China or express support for law enforcement to ESPN. It makes them real mad.”
In the hours that followed, news of the email floated around social media. Wojnarowski and ESPN then took to social media to condemn the “F*ck you,” email.
“I was disrespectful and I made a regrettable mistake. I’m sorry for the way I handled myself and I am reaching out immediately to Sen. Hawley to apologize directly,” Wojnarowski stated.
“This is completely unacceptable behavior and we do not condone it. It is inexcusable for anyone working for ESPN to respond in the way Adrian did to Sen. Hawley. We are addressing it directly with Adrian and the specifics of those conversations will remain internal,” ESPN added.
While Wojnarowski and ESPN apologized, other members of the ESPN family stood by Wojnarwoski in this moment. ESPN personality Maria Taylor took to Twitter to back her colleague.
“I don’t care what anyone says I will always stand with, by, and, for my incredible colleague & friend,” Taylor tweeted.
Just a day after the NBA Insider apologized publicly, Outkick has reported that he has been suspended. At this time, it is unclear how long he will be suspended and what the terms of the suspension are.
