TV Personality Hugh Douglas is no longer with ESPN network, according to USA TODAY Sports.
The “Numbers Never Lie” host got into a severe disagreement with his co-host Michael Smith during the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Orlando, FL.
The Big Lead reports, citing sources, the two were at the House of Blues for a Sports Task Force Party.
According to the sources, witnesses were forced to separate the two and the situation was “very ugly”. There’s no confirmation on whether the two gentlemen came to blows.
Mike Soltys, an ESPN spokesman, confirmed the separation between Douglas and ESPN.
Douglas had not been on the network since the altercation to place on August 2. Another spokesman for ESPN, David Scott, issued a statement to The Big Lead:
"We are aware there was a disagreement between Hugh Douglas and Michael Smith on Friday. We are looking into the situation,” said Scott.
Douglas, Smith and co-host Jemele Hill hosted ”Numbers Never Lie” on ESPN 2. The show is one of the ESPN’s many debate/talk shows, joining programs such as “First Take,” “Pardon the Interruption,” “Around the Horn,” and “
“Numbers Never Lie” is different than the other shows due its set up. The hosts discuss a topic and then produce a stat about that topic which settles the argument.
Douglas, a former All-Pro defensive end with the Philadelphia Eagles, tweeted about the incident Tuesday:
I am very disappointed to be leaving ESPN and will have more to say about this situation and my future at the appropriate time
“Numbers Never Lie” airs on ESPN2, weekdays at 2PM.
