Marly Rivera Responds to Firing by ESPN After Obscene Confrontation With Competitor

Former ESPN baseball reporter Marly Rivera issued a statement addressing her dismissal from the company Wednesday for using vulgar language toward another journalist during a recent incident at Yankee Stadium.

Shortly after the New York Post reported her firing, Rivera told the Post she accepts responsibility for her actions toward Ivón Gaete prior to the Angels-Yankees game in New York on April 18 before noting there were “extenuating circumstances” regarding the confrontation. 

Rivera and Gaete, who is the wife of MLB vice president of communications John Blundell, were caught on video getting into a dispute regarding an interview with Yankees star Aaron Judge, leading to Rivera calling Gaete, a “f—ing c–t,” according to the Post. The incident reportedly began after Rivera claimed she had scheduled time to speak exclusively with Judge and became upset when Gaete refused to leave.

“I fully accept responsibility for what I said, which I should not have,” Rivera told the Post. “There were extenuating circumstances but that in no way is an excuse for my actions. I am a professional with a sterling reputation across baseball and I do believe that I am being singled out by a group of individuals with whom I have a long history of professional disagreements.”

Rivera reportedly tried to apologize to Gaete, who rejected the overture. Rivera had worked at ESPN for the past 13 years.

“She no longer works here,” the company said in a statement.