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Tony Kornheiser suspended 2 weeks from ESPN for insulting Hannah Storm

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R

Ripclawe

Banned
But the truth may be it was because he insulted Chris Berman. He was clearly joking and not trying to be mean.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/wor...emale-colleague-old-short-skirt-live-air.html
article-1253473-0873057B000005DC-669_233x375_popup.jpg

A popular U.S. sports presenter has been suspended after criticising a female colleague live on air for 'dressing too young'.

Tony Kornheiser sparked outrage when he said Hannah Storm, 47, was too old to wear flashy red go-go boots and a short skirt.

He also said her top was so tight that she looked like she was wrapped in 'sausage casing'.

While the mother-of-three laughed off the comments, Kornheiser's bosses at the ESPN sports network failed to see the funny side.

They suspended the 61-year-old from his radio show for two weeks.
Kornhesier has since apologised for his remarks which were made last week during his radio talk show Pardon the Interruption.

The veteran presenter had begun his radio show, also hosted by ESPN, by branding Storm's outfit as 'horrifying'.

He said: 'Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today. She's got on red go-go boots and a catholic school plaid skirt... way too short for somebody in her 40s or maybe early 50s.
'
She's got on her typically very, very tight shirt. She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body.


'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.'

Storm wore the outfit during a midweek broadcast of her show SportsCentre.

She is said to have laughed off the comments.

Storm is known on U.S. television for her penchant for wearing boots and short skirts.

The athletic 5ft 10in presenter is extremely fit and loves to flaunt her lean physique.

In 2008, she blogged about her personal style, saying she likes wearing short skirts, dresses and boots:

She said: 'My preference is fitted and feminine clothes and I am really happy with my style now because it's much more reflective of my personality and a lot more fun, rather than being so anchor-ish!

'Cowboy boots are my favourite. I like them pretty beat up and distressed and wear them with everything from short dresses to jeans.'

Storm added: 'I think you can look age-appropriate but still don't have to sacrifice style.'

Kornheiser apologised for his remarks, saying: 'I was wrong. This is sort of what I do, and I'm sorry for it. I'm a sarcastic, subversive guy...

I'm a troll, look at me. I have no right to insult what anybody looks like or what anybody wears.'

ESPN executive vice president of content John Skipper said such 'hurtful and personal comments' were not acceptable and had 'significant consequences'.

'Hannah is a respected colleague who has been an integral part of the success of our morning SportsCenter,' he said.
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article-1253473-0873039E000005DC-15_468x705.jpg


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/wor...e-old-short-skirt-live-air.html#ixzz0gSK3ZI2q


http://deadspin.com/5478645/kornhei...nts-and-other-things-of-note?skyline=true&s=i

What I've also been told, for the sake of accuracy via people whose job it is to make sure these things are accurate, is that Kornheiser's comments about Storm were not the only ones that were "being reviewed" by ESPN brass; rather, it was the "totality" of his comments that got him in trouble, meaning, that yes, the Kornheiser/Gary Braun pile-on about Berman's weight was also considered demeaning to ESPN personnel.

But why was Kornheiser's punishment so severe? People who have worked closely with ESPN higher-ups throughout their career point to Norby's close relationship with Berman. Meaning, Berman's a made guy. Here's a quote that, unfortunately, cannot be attributed to anyone because these are the type of concessions we make to disclose larger truths about Bristol High, but it says a lot: "You're forced to apologize if you make fun of Hannah Storm. You get suspended if you make fun of Chris Berman."
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These comments were made about the 1:05 portion of Kornheiser's rant:

"I know I'm not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, like if I point out that people say that they lost 50 or 60 pounds have actually gained all the weight back..." (Co-host interrupts: "And then some. Gained the weight back, back, back, back.")

Berman's contract is up soon — and early indications through our source are that ESPN may be willing to go elsewhere if his demands are outlandish, which they most likely will be — so anything that upsets the delicate balance of negotiations by calling one of the parties a fat slob is considered a much more suspension-worthy offense than the Storm comments. (Remember — Kornheiser apologized for his remarks about her, both on-air and privately.)
Click to expand...
 
B

bjork

Member
She's only 47? I thought she was about 40 when I used to see her on CNN Sports News Tonight back in the early 90s.
 
G

goldsoundz

Member
I remember when he used to call MNF he had a pretty vicious combover. Anyone with a combover shouldn't have an opinion on anything, especially other people's looks.
 
B

bjscott05

Member
goldsoundz said:
I remember when he used to call MNF he had a pretty vicious combover. Anyone with a combover shouldn't have an opinion on anything, especially other people's looks.
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He doesn't really combover. He really pokes fun of himself/his hair all the time on air.
 
G

goldsoundz

Member
yankeeforever2 said:
So is that why that worthless Berman is plastered on every fucking sport show there.
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Speaking of combovers...

The man needs to get a hold of some Rolaids. When he speaks it just sounds like acid bubbling up from his stomach and coming out of his mouth.
 
F

Future PhaZe

Member
His show is pretty awful but it's the only thing I have to listen to during my commute home so I've really been feeling the pain of this suspension. Listening to college basketball on the radio is about as entertaining as cutting yourself.
 
G

Gigglepoo

Member
ESPN is lame. First they suspended Bill Simmons for making jokes on his Twitter account and now this? TK and Simmons are the two best people working for that company!

At least this means two straights weeks of Dan LeBatard on PTI. He's awesome.
 
R

reggieandTFE

Member
Jamesfrom818 said:
Hannah Storm is hot. I'd hit it. Sage Steele too.
Click to expand...


Yes. Yes.

I like Kornheiser but referring to an incredible slim woman's clothes as being tighter than a sausage casing is over the top.
 
H

hiryu2015

Member
Obsessing over Hannah Storm's Sportcenter wardrobe has nearly been a regular point of derision during his radio show these last few months. This defiintely wasn't the first time he made the "sausage casing" comment if I recall correctly. I completely forgot about the obvious Berman dig, it was one of those "it's funny because it's true" moments.

Besides, if anyone should be offended by his radio show rants, it should be Hoda Kotb, or any DC-area meteorologist.
 
P

Pimpwerx

Member
Can't knock the women on ESPN. Honestly, it's not like they stock those positions with flakes. Those women are all very qualified for their jobs. More qualified than your average cable news anchor...who are almost always just window-dressing. Hannah, Linda, Robin and others are well-qualifed, well-vetted and well-liked, I have to believe. Women can't even break into game commentary that well (it's hard for me to listen to a woman calling a football game...even if she's knowledgeable). I think his comments are out of line. Worthy of a reprimand for sure.

OTOH, I fucking hate Berman's fat ass. We all loved him when he first rolled out those chestnuts like "back back back back" and so on, but now he's tired, lame and taking a seat from a more qualified and knowledgeable announcer. Give Chris a clip show or something. He'd be perfect for that. Have him countdown the highlights of the day or something. But get him off everything else...especially football. Honestly, am I the only one who'd love to see Hank Goldberg (who's actually older) take his place? I loved grumpy, old Hank on WQAM a decade ago, and he's still my favorite horse handicapper. I'd much rather listen to Hanks's opinion on a team than Chris. PEACE.
 
way more

way more

Member
Does anyone understand that Catcher in the Rye reference? I don't recall Holden being into MILFS. Oh god, I just used the word milf.
 
Fox Mulder

Fox Mulder

Member
Pimpwerx said:
Can't knock the women on ESPN. Honestly, it's not like they stock those positions with flakes. Those women are all very qualified for their jobs. More qualified than your average cable news anchor...who are almost always just window-dressing. Hannah, Linda, Robin and others are well-qualifed, well-vetted and well-liked, I have to believe. Women can't even break into game commentary that well (it's hard for me to listen to a woman calling a football game...even if she's knowledgeable). I think his comments are out of line. Worthy of a reprimand for sure..
Click to expand...

Hannah Storm could be the most professional and talented anchor on their staff, but when I see her wearing a skirt and boots, and sitting in a high stool interviewing someone, I want to throw my couch through the TV. She looks great for her age, but ESPN goes out of their way to show off the sex appeal of their women. Just sit behind the goddamn desk and show highlights.
 
T

The Frankman

Banned
Hannah was an awesome studio announcer during her NBC days. Once they lost the NBA her career kinda stalled... she's not an ESPN person and watching her now is painful. She's great at being insightful, giving good interviews, and asking tough questions; everything ESPN hates in their commentators.

She also never dressed like this on NBC. ESPN probably told her to free the puppies, and ESPN is fining Kornheiser for unknowingly dissing ESPN.
 
N

numble

Member
The Frankman said:
Hannah was an awesome studio announcer during her NBC days. Once they lost the NBA her career kinda stalled... she's not an ESPN person and watching her now is painful. She's great at being insightful, giving good interviews, and asking tough questions; everything ESPN hates in their commentators.

She also never dressed like this on NBC. ESPN probably told her to free the puppies, and ESPN is fining Kornheiser for unknowingly dissing ESPN.
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Yes, she was an awesome anchor for NBA on NBC, and she looked like a regular anchor back then. The NBC/TBS/TNT combo back then beats the current ABC/ESPN/TNT combo.
 
S

Spectral Glider

Member
Hannah's not bad, but I was always more of a Willow Bay fan, who I think is about the same age and came onto the scene about the same time. I don't think she was ever on ESPN though.

The joke about Berman's weight was pretty good though. I used to like Berman back in the early 90s, but I can't take him anymore. His act is old and tired.
 
K

Kung Fu Jedi

Member
Kornheiser is a tool. I can't stand the guy, and when they added him to Monday Night Football, I was horrified. I'm so glad that experiment failed. Glad to hear that his contract is nearly up. Maybe he'll go away forever now.
 
C

Chamber

love on your sleeve
DeaconKnowledge said:
Gotta say, what he said was pretty accurate.
Click to expand...
Maybe but it shouldn't be coming from some old guy sporting the three hair comb over.

Anyway, Hannah Storm would get it.
 
G

goldenticket

Member
Kornheiser is the man. I listen to his radio show all the time either via podcast or streaming live on espn iphone app. He is still doin it just not pti for two weeks. Espn is lame for suspending him
 
W

weekend_warrior

Banned
SportsCenter has gotten pretty weird in the past few months. All the old women are dressing slutty now, and everybody quips back and forth like its a soap opera.

And Tony Kornheiser is the man. PTI is the best show on ESPN.
 
C

Corran Horn

May the Schwartz be with you
PTI & ART is basically what I love about ESPN now (somewhat Baseball Tonight too).

Dan Patrick talked about it today with Michael Wilbon on radio. But didn't say much about it we don't all ready know.
 
A

Archaix

Drunky McMurder
I stopped watching PTI for a long time because of my work schedule, started watching it again recently and I can't figure out if Kornheiser is just more of an annoying crotchety old man now or if I just didn't care before. He's almost entirely unbearable though. I actually liked watching the show with Lebetard today more than I've liked it with Kornheiser on.
 
W

witness

Member
Tony was completely accurate, I remember watching that sportscenter and thinking the exact same thing, WTF is she wearing :lol
 
K

K.Jack

Knowledge is power, guard it well
Hannah is smoking for 47, but that orange + plaid deal is 100% worthy of public ridicule.

edit: and why is deadspin suddenly so popular around here?
 
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