TV Star Suspended For Slating Colleague's Dress
Thursday February 25, 2010
A top US television sports presenter has been suspended for criticising a female colleague on air for her "horrifying" outfit which he branded "way too short" for her age.
ESPN's Tony Kornheiser attacked 47-year-old Hannah Storm's red knee-high boots and short skirt.
He ploughed on, describing her top as so tight it looked as if she was wrapped in "sausage casing".
The 61-year-old has been suspended from his radio show for two weeks despite mother-of-three Storm reportedly laughing off his comments.
Kornheiser launched his attack as he opened his radio show Pardon The Interruption (PTI) last week.
"Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today," he said of the presenter's clothing on a midweek edition of ESPN's SportsCentre.
"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?"
Storm is apparently well-known in the States for her short skirts and clinging outfits.
Kornheiser apologised for his outburst the next day on his show, admitting he was wrong to make the personal comments.
By way of explanation, he said was a "subversive" and "sarcastic" person and went on to describe himself as a troll.
ESPN's executive vice president of content, John Skipper, described Kornheiser's comments as "entirely inappropriate".
"Hurtful and personal comments such as these are not acceptable and have significant consequences," he said in a statement.
"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 SportsCentre."
