Following an investigation, longtime Philadelphia broadcaster Howard Eskin has been barred from Citizens Bank Park for the remainder of the Philadelphia Phillies season. He will reportedly remain on air.
According to a report from Ximena Conde of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Eskin was accused by an Aramark employee of giving an "unwelcomed kiss." This was confirmed by Audacy, the parent company of the sports radio station WIP-FM, where Eskin is a host.
Aramark confirmed in a statement that an employee "had been subjected to an unwanted advance by an Audacy employee."
According to sources, the incident allegedly took place in the CP Rankin Club, an exclusive seating area behind home plate, hours before a game.
"We then worked with Audacy and the Phillies to ensure that appropriate steps were taken to protect our employee and all of the Aramark employees at Citizens Bank Park," Aramark said.
The Phillies stood by the companies in a statement. "We cooperated with our partners at Audacy and Aramark on their investigations. We support Audacy’s decision to suspend Howard Eskin from Citizens Bank Park."
Eskin has been a staple at Citizens Bank Park and the Philadelphia sports scene for decades, having been a part of WIP-FM since 1986. A sports media mainstay, Eskin is well known for his aggressive on-air persona and feuds with multiple athletes, including Allen Iverson, Terrell Owens, and Curt Schilling. Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has even challenged Eskin to multiple fights.
Eskin has not yet made a statement regarding the investigation.
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