Fox Sports Radio reports that the firing and racism allegations exacerbated Doug Adler’s heart conditions
Tim Kenneally | March 1, 2017 @ 11:09 AM
Last Updated: March 1, 2017 @ 2:11 PM
Doug Adler, the ESPN tennis analyst who was let go after describing Venus Williams’ “guerrilla” tennis tactics at the Australian Open, suffered a heart attack on Tuesday, and the stress from the firing and the backlash Adler received is largely to blame, Fox Sports Radio’s “Outkick the Coverage” reports.
“Outkick” host Clay Travis said that Adler called him from the hospital on Tuesday.
“He had a heart attack, nearly died,” Travis said. “Doctors say that the stress of ESPN firing him and being publicly branded a racist for something he did that wasn’t racist at all exacerbated his heart conditions and led him to have a heart attack.”
Adler drew widespread criticism on social media in January after describing Williams’ “guerrilla” style of playing. He was dropped by ESPN shortly thereafter.
In February, Adler sued ESPN, contending that the sports network “bowed to the Twitter universe of haters and those ignorant of tennis who thought [he] used the word ‘gorilla’ to describe Venus Williams that day.”
“ESPN wrongfully terminated Adler and has since caused other employers to shun Adler, causing Adler serious financial and emotional harm,” the lawsuit continues.
Adler’s attorney, David M. Ring of civil-rights firm Taylor & Ring, called ESPN “cowardly” in a statement provided to TheWrap.
“The irony is that Adler called everything correctly and in a professional manner, whereas ESPN did not — they recklessly made the wrong call,” Ring said. “It was not only political correctness gone overboard, but also a cowardly move that ruined a good man’s career.”
Meet the 10 Black Contestants Accusing 'Idol' of Racism
Terrell and Derrell Brittenum (Season 5) - The twin brothers each advanced to Hollywood week and were featured prominently on the broadcasts, but were disqualified when they were accused of identity theft.
Chris Golightly (Season 9) - Golightly made it into the top 24 before he has taken off because producers discovered he had a previous recording contract.
Jacob John Smalley (Season 2) - Smalley got as far as the final 32 before he was eliminated in the first round based on fan votes.
Akron Watson (Season 6) - Watson was dumbfounded when producers told him he would not be advancing to the Hollywood round because he'd been accused of misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Ju'Not Joyner (Season 8) - Joyner was knocked off after making it to the top 36 and has made repeated claims that the show is rigged.
Donnie Williams (Season 3) - After a DUI charge was discovered, Williams was DQ'd. He had made it to the final 32.
Jaered Andrews (Season 2) - Andrews was disqualified from the show after assault allegations surfaced.
Thomas Daniels (Season 6) - Daniels was one of the first contestants to make it to Hollywood in Season 6 -- though he never really got there. Producers discovered DUI and hit-and-run accusations against him.
Corey Clark (Season 2) - Clark made it the furthest of all the other plaintiffs, reaching the top 10. He was disqualified after allegations of resisting arrest, battery and criminal restraint surfaced.
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What caused the contestants to be removed from the reality competition?
Terrell and Derrell Brittenum (Season 5) - The twin brothers each advanced to Hollywood week and were featured prominently on the broadcasts, but were disqualified when they were accused of identity theft.