Former Major League reliever and, apparently, now-former MLB Network analyst Mitch Williams, is suing his former employer, alleging he was wrongfully terminated following a leave of absence from the network.
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Williams also filed suit against Gawker Media, parent company of Deadspin, whom he is suing for defamation following reports he was ejected from his child’s youth baseball game, where Williams was a coach. Williams reportedly ordered a 10-year old to hit another batter, and was ejected from cursing and arguing. Williams took his leave of absence in May shortly after the reports surfaced.
Though no announcement was ever made, MLB Network has apparently fired Williams, and he alleges in the suit the network wanted the 11-year MLB veteran and analyst to sign a contract forbidding Williams from attending his childrens’ sporting events. Williams, who has five children, refused, and alleges the network then decided to fire him, which Williams claimed cost him the $2 million remainder of the contract and other employment opportunities. He is seeking damages from Gawker Media and MLB Network separately.
Former attorney and current MLB analyst Craig Calcaterra, in a non-legal opinion, doesn’t think Williams will have much of a case in either suit, particularly the defamation suit against Deadspin. The reasoning is Williams has already publicly apologized for being ejected from the youth game, meaning the allegations by Deadspin were at least partially true.
"I regret what happened at this weekend’s tournament & apologize. I love baseball & coaching."
"— Mitch Williams (@Mitch99Williams) May 12, 2014"
Losing the “Wild Thing” probably isn’t a massive blow to MLB Network, but it will be curious to see if anywhere else gives Williams a chance as an analyst.
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