Former ESPN Commentator Alleges Pregnancy Firing

Luz Ramos Squillante has filed the claim in US District Court, according to the Connecticut Law Tribune and is seeking reinstatement and damages for her alleged firing because she was pregnant with twins.

Squillante claims that once her boss found out she was pregnant, he started to find flaws with her voice tone and Spanish skills, despite three years of positive reviews. She had been commentating on the X-Games and NFL games for ESPNs Hispanic-language Deportes Network.

Squillante became pregnant in March 2003, but waited until the end of her first trimester before telling the network. She claims that she told some colleagues in early July, when her boss Larry Colon was on vacation. However, Squillante believes Colon found out, because on his return he sent an e-mail criticizing her performance, such as the terminology she used on the air, according to the Law Tribune. This was the first time her performance had been subject to criticism in writing, according to the complaint.

ESPN representatives have fought back, claiming that the case carries no merit. Vice President of Communications Mike Soltys says that two other contracts expired when that of Squillante’s did, and also noted that other anchors have continued on the job after their pregnancies became apparent.