ESPN Sportscaster Fired For Calling Colleague An 'Uncle Tom'; Hugh Douglas Let Go After Altercation With Michael Smith

ESPN sportscaster Hugh Douglas has been fired after a recent incident with one of his co-workers. According to Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated, an ESPN spokesperson said Douglas “no longer works for us effective today [Tuesday].”

The former defensive lineman was an NFL analyst and co-host of “Numbers Never Lie,” but has been relieved of his duties after getting into an altercation with Michael Smith, who is also on the show. Last week, The Big Lead first reported that the two almost got into a fight at the House of Blues in Orlando. According to Deadspin, the argument was instigated by Douglas, who called Smith an “Uncle Tom.”

“I am very disappointed to be leaving ESPN and will have more to say about this situation and my future at the appropriate time," Douglas tweeted after the news broke. When contacted by Deadspin, he responded, “I just can’t comment on this. No comment.”

Sources tell Deadspin that Douglas was intoxicated at the time of the incident. He allegedly threatened to beat his co-host up after Smith told Douglas not to go up on stage at the club. Security had to break up a potential scuffle when Douglas grabbed Smith’s arm.

The incident stemmed from the previous night at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention and Career Fair. There, Smith and Jemele Hill, who also appears on “Numbers Never Lie,” spoke to attendees who might seek to work for ESPN. Deadspin reports that Douglas was drunk and approached the two, and was embarrassed by Hill when she wouldn’t let him have the microphone.