MIAMI (WSVN) — An ESPN Sideline Correspondent has been suspended by the network after verbally attacking a tow truck employee after her vehicle was towed, and video of the altercation has gone viral.
“I’m in the news sweetheart, I will [expletive] sue this place,” said Britt McHenry to the company employee.
“OK. Careful because I’ll play your video,” said the employee.
McHenry, seen walking the sidelines of sporting events, has now been sidelined by ESPN for the outburst.
“That’s why I have a degree and you don’t,” said McHenry.
The website LiveLeak posted a security camera video from the tow truck company in Arlington, Va. McHenry’s car was towed earlier this month, something she was not pleased about.
“I wouldn’t work at a scumbag place like this. Makes my skin crawl even being here. Yep, that’s all you care about is taking people’s money with no education, no skill set. Just wanted to clarify that.”
McHenry is based in Washington, D.C and often appeared on ESPN during the NFL season. She joined the network from a local station in D.C, last year.
“Do you feel good about your job? So I could be a college dropout and do the same thing? Why ’cause I have a brain and you don’t. Maybe if I was missing some teeth they would hire me huh? Oh like yours ’cause they look so so stunning?” McHenry said as she criticized the employees teeth. “‘Cause I’m on television and you’re in a [expletive] trailer honey. Lose some weight baby girl.”
After the video went viral, the network’s Public Relations posted a message on Twitter that read, “Update from ESPN: Britt McHenry has been suspended for 1 week effectively immediately.”
In response, McHenry took to Twitter herself and posted a tweet that read, “In an intense and stressful moment, I allowed my emotions to get the best of me and said some insulting and regrettable things. As frustrated as I was, I should always choose to be respectful and take the high road. I am so sorry for my actions and will learn from this mistake.”
The tow truck company told TMZ that it was unfortunate its employee had to withstand that treatment, and explained it was not the company’s fault McHenry’s car was towed. However, excessive towing in Arlington has been a hot button issue. The same company had been in the local news after they were accused of predatory towing practices.