ESPN is claiming on their MediaZone site that Bruce Feldman was never disciplined and that he has resumed his normal duties. Unfortunately, the site is being hammered and I am getting 504 errors every time I try to load it. I saw it just long enough to see the statement, so the gist is correct.
If a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears it, does the rumor of its fall make a sound? They sure do on Twitter.
More when it becomes available, but I am very suspicious of ESPN's claims. The original reporting on this was done by a very well-connected blogger who almost never gets it wrong. Not only that, the length of time between the original report and the denial that it ever happened is 18 hours (!) That makes sense to nobody.
I think what we have here is abject capitulation on the part of the Worldwide Leader. I wonder if anyone will follow up and get the back story. I am absolutely dying to hear it.
[UPDATE] Here is the statement in its entirety:
"There was never any suspension or any other form of disciplinary action. We took the time to review his upcoming work assignments in light of the book to which he contributed and will manage any conflicts or other issues as needed. Bruce has resumed his assignments."
Just one question: How do you "resume" doing something that, according to the statement, you never stopped doing to begin with? Just askin'.