Hugh Douglas Finished at ESPN: ‘Very Ugly’ Fight

Hugh Douglas no longer works for ESPN following a “very ugly” altercation with his Numbers Never Lie co-host Michael Smith, as described to The Big Lead by a witness.

Douglas tweeted the announcement 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.”

Smith made no comment on Douglas leaving or on the altercation via Twitter. The Epoch Times contacted Smith for comment and is awaiting response.

Douglas and Smith were in Orlando at a Friday night House of Blues party as part of the National Association of Black Journalists convention, reports The Big Lead. A witness told The Big Lead that words swapped by the two were so scathing, “there’s no way” Douglas would return to the show.

ESPN spokesman David Scott confirmed to USA Today and The Big Lead that the two had a disagreement.

Sports Illustrated reports that Douglas was fired, having initiated the fight.

The Big Lead reported that Douglas got on stage intoxicated and directing racial slurs at Smith (both Douglas and Smith are African American). He also repeatedly threatened to beat up his considerably smaller co-host.

Douglas was an NFL defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles.