Following a 16-year Major League Baseball career, Gregg Zaun joined Rogers Sportsnet as an analyst for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011. Zaun was fired from the network shortly after the 2017 season due to “inappropriate” behavior toward women.
In a statement last December, Rogers Media president Rick Brace said “This week, we received complaints from multiple female employees at Sportsnet regarding inappropriate behaviour and comments by Gregg Zaun in the workplace. After investigating the matter, we decided to terminate his contract, effective immediately.”
Known for providing honest commentary and controversial hot takes toward players, Zaun was referred to as the “manalyst” during his time on Sportsnet. Although he will no longer be on Blue Jays broadcasts, Zaun will make his analysis heard this season through a YouTube show called “Manalyst TV.” Zaun Tweeted the announcement last week.
“Have you ever imagined an unfiltered Gregg Zaun, un-tethered by the constraints of network cable television? Well, get ready. I am onto the next phase of my life, my own show on YouTube. My fans have spoken loudly and clearly. They want to enjoy the same analysis, commentary and opinion that they’ve always known from me. The big difference being that I am no longer beholden to anyone or any one team. The gloves come off. I will be covering the entire major leagues without bias. I look forward to my first submission next Thursday. See you soon and tell a friend.”
Zaun’s first episode of “Manalyst TV” launched on March 1st.
This week Sportsnet announced Joe Siddall will replace Gregg Zaun on Blue Jays broadcasts this season. Siddall will move to television after working in the Blue Jays radio booth since the 2014 season.
“I’m truly excited to begin this next chapter in my broadcast career, working alongside Jamie and the entire broadcast team,” Siddall said. “As a player, I loved being behind the plate because I was involved in every pitch and every aspect of the game. I try to bring that same perspective and passion to my work as an analyst.”
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
