• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
exclusive
Law

ESPN Is Accused of Harassment, Retaliation in Legal Letter From Exec Editor

An attorney for Cristina Daglas sent a cease-and-desist letter to ESPN over an investigation into her conduct and the leave she’s been on since January.

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

An attorney representing ESPN executive editor Cristina Daglas has sent a cease-and-desist letter to ESPN’s HR department related to an ongoing investigation into Daglas, who has been on administrative leave since January.

Daglas’s attorney, California employment lawyer Nikki Staggs, sent the letter to Front Office Sports by accident. 

Daglas is the No. 2 editor for all of ESPN Digital. FOS reported last month she was placed on administrative leave after multiple HR complaints. The specific nature of the complaints remains unclear.

The letter to ESPN accuses the company of “unlawful harassment, retaliation, and investigation” of Daglas, who has allegedly been contacted by ESPN HR at least seven times as part of the investigation, which the attorney said is “wholly meritless and unsubstantiated,” calling the situation “harassment, plain and simple.” 

“Respondents have failed to provide a clear articulation of the allegations or claims that allegedly justify this leave … what my client has been subjected to is a series of protracted, hours-long interrogations under the guise of an ‘investigation’ that appears to be both endless and aimless,” the letter says.

“The excessive nature of these meetings strongly suggests that Respondents are not conducting a legitimate inquiry, but rather grasping at straws in an attempt to manufacture misconduct where none exists. We remain steadfast in resolving this matter as expeditiously as possible. However, we expect that at this juncture, Respondents have already reached a decision after nearly two months of investigation and multiple discussions over the course of multiple hours with Claimant.”

The letter accuses ESPN of “actively attempting to preemptively tarnish” Daglas’s reputation. 

“Respondents are building a false narrative designed to portray Claimant as being shrouded in controversy—when in fact, she is being punished for protecting herself and for speaking out against institutional inequities,” the letter says.

The letter asks ESPN to cease and desist:

1. Any further harassment of [Daglas] under the guise of an “ongoing investigation”;

2. Any continued attempts to damage or smear her reputation internally or externally;

3. Any disclosure, leak, or dissemination—direct or indirect—of confidential materials, images, or information pertaining to [Daglas];

4. Any form of retaliation against [Daglas] for asserting her rights, speaking out, or protecting herself in the workplace.

The letter also asks ESPN to preserve documents relating to the investigation, and to produce Daglas’s employment files. The attorney asks for Daglas’s disputes to be referred to arbitration. 

An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment about the cease-and-desist letter.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park

Rob Manfred Says Any Talk of MLB Salary Cap Is Premature

“No decisions” have been made regarding an MLB salary cap.

Amazon Sports Chief Says NBA, WNBA Coverage Should Be Celebratory

“There’s too much weird negativity out there,” Jay Marine told FOS.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Jon Gruden

NFL Asks Nevada Supreme Court to Rehear Jon Gruden Case

The arbitration fight between Gruden and the league continues.
Blue Jays
exclusive
September 5, 2025

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Hosszu
September 8, 2025

World Aquatics Reaches $4.6 Million Settlement With Pro Swimmers

Meanwhile, the International Swimming League’s case heads to trial in January.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Megan Romano
September 4, 2025

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.
September 3, 2025

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.