Marly Rivera was recently fired after reporting for ESPN for 13 years — newly released video sheds light on why.
At the center of the controversy is a vulgar exchange between Rivera and Ivón Gaete, a reporter for the New York Post. Rivera was upset that a fellow reporter was sharing in what she believed would be an exclusive interview with Yankees star Aaron Judge.
According to the Post, tempers flared, and Rivera called Gaete an expletive.
The unprofessional exchange occurred in front of Judge and a group of young children invited to meet the athlete and receive an autograph.
Following the incident, Rivera issued an apology to Gaete and the Post:
“I fully accept responsibility for what I said, which I should not have. There were extenuating circumstances, but that in no way is an excuse for my actions.”
Rivera added: “I am a professional with a sterling reputation across baseball and I do believe that I am being singled out by a group of individuals with whom I have a long history of professional disagreements.”
ESPN responded to the complaint from the Post by stating: “She no longer works here. … Rivera’s employment was terminated.”
TMZ posted video of the confrontation.
The video shows Rivera instructing Gaete not to bother Judge, stating that she had scheduled an exclusive interview.
When Gaete did not leave, Rivera cursed the Post reporter.
When Gaete took offense, Rivera claimed: “I wasn’t talking about you.”
The Post noted that Gaete is married to John Blundell, an MLB communications executive, and was covering the game as a freelance reporter.
Rivera had worked for ESPN as a writer and reporter since 2010. She has since deactivated her social media accounts.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
