I like Tony Kornheiser (he was awful on Monday Night Football though) always have. One of the reasons that I like him is because he says what he is thinking and really isn’t concerned with being politically correct.
Alas though when you are an employ at the World Wide Leader that is not always the best personality trait to have. Kornheiser had some interesting thoughts on his ESPN co-worker Hannah Storm on his radio show.
Here is what he had to say:
Kornheiser said Storm was wearing “a horrifying, horrifying outfit” and a “very, very tight shirt.
“She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body,” he added. “I know she’s very good, and I’m not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won’t … but Hannah Storm … come on now! Stop! What are you doing? … She’s what I would call a Holden Caulfield fantasy at this point.”
He apologized the next day, but honestly I hate apologies that people don’t mean. I am sure he is sorry that he said it on air, but he obviously he believed what he was saying.
I am sorry but I love the phrase:
“She has a sausage casing wrapping around her upper body.”
How classic is that?
Yeah I know it is wrong and Tony should know better. You have to be more respectful of your co-workers especially your female co-workers who have dealt for years with people not taking them seriously as sports journalists while checking out their tight shirts.
Do I think he should have been suspended from PTI?
Personally no (because I like him on PTI), but professionally I understand. You can’t have men describing women co-workers shirts as “Sausage Casings”.
You can do better Tony keep those conversations off the air.
*Update*
So ESPN has decided to suspend Kornheiser for two weeks for his own are comments here is a statement from ESPN executive vice president of content John Skipper:
“Tony Kornheiser’s comments about Hannah Storm were entirely inappropriate. Hurtful and personal comments such as these are not acceptable and have significant consequences. Tony has been suspended from PTI for two weeks. Hannah is a respected colleague who has been an integral part of the success of our morning SportsCenter.”
I find it intriguing such swift action for Kornheiser making a comment on a female’s shirt, but on other occasions things have been overlooked.
I believe Tony should know better, but I also think two weeks is over the top and unwarranted.