Ex-ESPN worker who had affair with Phillips sues sports network over firing

Ex-ESPN worker who had affair with Phillips sues

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A former production assistant whose affair with broadcaster Steve Phillips led to their firings has filed a lawsuit against ESPN saying the sports network defamed her.

The lawsuit by 22-year-old Brooke Hundley, filed Tuesday in Stamford Superior Court, says ESPN defamed her by firing her based on false statements by Phillips and by claiming she had not fully cooperated with its investigation.

ESPN said Hundley’s claims are without merit. The Connecticut-based network said its investigation found Hundley’s characterization of the events inconsistent.

Phillips acknowledged his relationship with Hundley. His representative, Steve Lefkowitz, said Phillips was focused on getting his life and career back on track.

Phillips and Hundley were fired in October.