As you may know, tennis commentator Doug Adler is suing ESPN for firing him. His attorney filed the lawsuit against ESPN in Los Angeles Superior Court on Valentine’s Day (how sweet), and charges that the network bowed to social media pressure in dismissing him. Damn you, Twitter! (Note: we still love you). (Hearts emoji).
Ten-second background graph: During Venus Williams’ second-round match vs. Stefanie Vögele at the Australian Open last month, Alder described Williams thus: “You’ll see Venus move in, and put the guerrilla effect on. Charging.”
At least that’s what Adler says he meant. ESPN and many viewers heard the word as “gorilla”, and were outraged that he would use a word derogatory toward African-Americans.