Court upholds $1.5M award to analyst in MLB Network firing

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey appeals court has upheld a $1.5 million jury award to former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams over his firing by the MLB Network.

The former closer nicknamed “Wild Thing” for his on-field antics was fired in 2014 after reports about his conduct at a youth game where he was coaching his son’s team.

MLB Network fired Williams, citing a morals clause in his contract. Williams sued for breach of contract, and a jury decided in his favor in 2017.

The network appealed, arguing the trial judge made unfair evidence rulings and erred by not dismissing the case before it went to trial.

An MLB Network spokesman says the network is reviewing the ruling and assessing its option.