Denver Post Fires Avalanche Writer Adrian Dater

Denver Post’s Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater fired for inappropriate social media use

Just two months after suspending him for an inappropriate outburst on Twitter, the Denver Post has terminated Colorado Avalanche beat reporter Adrian Dater — for, once again, misusing social media.

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Dater has been cited for numerous documented offenses, starting with the outburst and culminating with a female member of the media coming forward in regards to inappropriate Twitter DM’s and emails he sent her.

According to DeadSpin, the messages sent to the woman included requests for nude photos and suggestions that he wouldn’t talk about hockey with her because she ‘is a woman’; the interactions were considered both sexual harassment and gender discrimination, as the victim in question is hockey media personnel herself.

Dater announced his termination via a post to his Facebook page, where he reports that his tenure as a beat writer covering the Avalanche dates back to 1991.

In his termination announcement, Dater indirectly apologizes for his behavior — although never specifically mentions the wrongdoings he committed — and pleads with his friends and readers to support him in seeking help for manic depression and substance abuse problems.

"“I said a bunch of stupid things on social media once too often, and paid the price.Social media and I were always going to be a dangerous mix. I’m opinionated and have the occasional real hot temper.But my problems were deeper than that.I’ve had some pretty bad substance abuse problems. Every single time I got myself in trouble with my mouth, substances helped play a role, probably a big one.I tried to deny it was a big problem but it obviously was and is.A lifestyle of a lot of late nights away from home in lonely hotel rooms and a stressful lifestyle at times kind of caught up with me. I used too many wrong things as coping mechanisms. I also have dealt with manic depression for years and when the real dark moods come over me I tend to do things to hurt myself more.”"

Although Dater’s private exchanges with the woman have been clearly documented, he goes on to suggest that he is being misrepresented by the media — but does admit that he is seeking help for his problems.

The woman in question admitted that she only came forward with these exchanges following a similar situation that occurred just a few days prior, which also resulted in a member of the media being terminated for inappropriate communications through social media.

In addition to hoping Dater gets the help he has admitted to needing, the public should come away from this with a much stronger message — sexual harassment in the workplace can occur both in person and online. This story, and the overwhelming support this woman has received for coming forward, should serve as encouragement for anyone feeling harassed or threatened –whether it be in an office or online — to come forward and ensure these situations get handled.

For more information on harassment in the workplace — and how to report it — check out the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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Denver Post Fires Adrian Dater For Inexcusable Social Media Conduct

By Catherine Silverman | Dec 4, 2014

Denver Post’s Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater fired for inappropriate social media use

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