Jamie Horowitz has been fired as the head of programming at the Fox Sports division of US network Fox.
Horowitz's (pictured) sudden departure after two years in the role was “fully warranted,” according to Daniel Petrocelli, a lawyer representing Fox Sports, who did not elaborate on the reasons for the dismissal.
The Associated Press news agency reported that Attorney Patricia Glaser, representing Horowitz, said: “The way Jamie has been treated by Fox is appalling. At no point in his tenure was there any mention by his superiors or human resources of any misconduct or an inability to adhere to professional conduct.”
Glaser added that Horowitz “performed in an exemplary fashion. Any slanderous accusations to the contrary will be vigorously defended.” However, Petrocelli responded to the comments by saying that Glaser’s comments were “ill-informed and misguided.”
In an email to employees confirming the news, Fox Sports president Eric Shanks said: “Everyone at Fox Sports, no matter what role we play, or what business, function or show we contribute to, should act with respect and adhere to professional conduct at all times.”
Shanks will assume Horowitz’s responsibilities, which included overseeing programming, marketing and scheduling for the FS1 and FS2 channels, until a replacement is identified.