Thinking his phone was on mute ESPN's Dave LaMont described stories of prejudice as "venting"

[Demovictory9]

https://nypost.com/2020/07/08/espn-may-fire-dave-lamont-after-slip-up-during-race-relations-call/

During a passionate two-hour ESPN college football conference call last month to discuss race following the death of George Floyd, there were riveting and emotional testimonials from on- and off-air people as hundreds listened.

About a half hour in, as ESPN’s Maria Taylor discussed the issue and her experience, a play-by-play man for the network, Dave LaMont could be heard in the background, apparently thinking his phone was on mute.

LaMont described the nature of the call on race as “venting,” which stunned those listening and immediately caused a rebuke from Taylor, who warned there could be ramifications if he did not stop.

He quickly did, but it might have cost him his job.

ESPN has explored letting LaMont go even after LaMont admitted the mistake immediately following the call to his bosses.

“A comment was made to my wife that was overheard on the college football call, offending some who heard it,” LaMont said in a statement to The Post. “We have a racially integrated home and I respect and admire those who spoke up about their experiences. I profusely apologize to everyone on the call”

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The two-hour call took place and there were stories shared about dealing with prejudice. Besides Taylor, former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, play-by-play man Mark Jones and analyst Rod Gilmore were among those who spoke.

When Taylor was making her points, LaMont unknowingly interrupted.

LaMont’s comment was brief and unintended for the call as he apparently thought his phone was on mute. When he described the conference call to his wife as “venting,” those listening said it was “uncomfortable,” “shocking” and “bad timing.”

The next day, Fitting sent an email thanking everyone for participating, but described the interruption of Taylor as “unacceptable.”

https://nypost.com/2020/07/08/espn-may-fire-dave-lamont-after-slip-up-during-race-relations-call/

[mr_lebowski]

1. I really don't think that rises to the level of 'fireable' ...

Sounds to me like it's not an unreasonable explanation.

It's not like he said 'blabbing' or something highly dismissive. Venting is a fair word for the circumstances, IMHO.