ESPN Releases Text Messages Between John Buccigross And His Accuser In Attempt To Disprove Sexual Harassment Claims

espn logo

Getty Image


Earlier today, The Boston Globe reported that Adrienne Lawrence, who worked at ESPN in 2015, described how ESPN anchor John Buccigross sent her several inappropriate texts and unwanted shirtless photos. Lawrence went on to claim that ESPN retaliated against her when she complained to higher ups about Buccigross’s behavior.

Via Boston Globe

Lawrence accused John Buccigross, a longtime SportsCenter anchor who she viewed as a mentor, of sending unsolicited shirtless photographs of himself and calling her “dollface,” “#dreamgirl,” and “#longlegs” in messages from 2016 reviewed by the Globe. Lawrence said she tried to remain cordial in the e-mails but at one point responded: “You need to wear clothes, sir.”

When rumors spread that the two were in a relationship, Lawrence repeatedly complained to company officials and was advised by a supervisor to drop the matter, according to the complaint.

Lawrence said ESPN retaliated against her by reducing her on-air shifts and ultimately denying her a permanent position. The other fellow, a male, received a job offer. The Globe interviewed three former employees who Lawrence had confided in at the time about her treatment and confirmed her account.

“I considered Adrienne to be a friend,” Buccigross said in a statement to the Globe. “I’m sorry if anything I did or said offended Adrienne. It certainly wasn’t my intent.”

Hours after the Globe’s report, ESPN went on to publish a series of text messages between Lawrence and Buccigross to disprove her sexual harassment claims.

“We conducted a thorough investigation and found these claims to be entirely without merit. Lawrence was hired into a two-year talent development program and was told that her contract would not be renewed at the conclusion of the training program. At that same time, ESPN also told 100 other talent with substantially more experience, that their contracts would not be renewed. The company will vigorously defend its position and we are confident we will prevail in court.” -Katina Arnold, ESPN Spokeswoman

Additionally, if you consider the attached portions of text messages exchanged between Ms. Lawrence (in blue) and Mr. Buccigross, it’s clear that they had a consensual, personal friendship that spanned months.



H/T The Big Lead

Jorge Alonso BroBible avatar
Brobible sports editor. Jorge is a Miami native and lifelong Heat fan. He has been covering the NBA, MLB and NFL professionally for almost 10 years, specializing in digital media.