Blue Jays Analyst Gregg Zaun Fired by Sportsnet for 'Inappropriate Behaviour'

Blue Jays analyst and longtime MLB player Gregg Zaun was fired from Rogers Sportsnet due to "inappropriate behaviour and comments" toward female employees. Rogers Media president Rick Brace announced in a statement Thursday that multiple women levied complaints this past week against Zaun, whose contract was terminated following an investigation.

"This type of behaviour completely contradicts our standards and our core values," Brace said. "We believe in a professional workplace where all employees feel comfortable and respected. We are grateful to our employees who spoke with us and we will take every measure to protect their privacy."

While the exact nature of the misconduct is unknown, Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reported Thursday night that there were no allegations of physical or sexual assault.

Zaun is no stranger to controversy, as VICE Sports contributor Andrew Stoeten outlined in a piece at Blue Jays Nation that examined some of his past questionable behaviour, including disparaging remarks he made about women in a 2012 Twitter post.

The 46-year-old Zaun was embroiled in controversy during his MLB career, too, as he was named in the league's 2007 Mitchell Report, which investigated performance-enhancing-drug use in baseball. Since transitioning to an analyst, he has also gotten into a number of spats with Blue Jays players, including star pitcher Marcus Stroman, due to his brash and outspoken nature.

Zaun's firing comes at a time when a number of high-profile men across various industries have been fired or are facing serious allegations for workplace misconduct against women (and some men), including a slew for sexual harassment and assault. Earlier this week, longtime NBC host Matt Lauer had his contract terminated over a sexual harassment allegation. In the days since, multiple women have come forward accusing Lauer of similar behaviour.

Hollywood has, of course, been rocked by numerous sexual harassment and assault scandals, too, from Harvey Weinstein to Kevin Spacey, among many others.

Zaun, who played 16 seasons in the majors, including five with the Blue Jays from 2004-08, joined Sportsnet (which is owned by Rogers) in 2011. Rogers Communications is the sole owner of the Blue Jays.