Steve Phillips' Scandal Causes Hurt, But to Whom?

Staff Writer

   Some of us have had the privilege of being an intern at one time or another. We receive knowledge of the trade we are studying, we gain experience and hey, it looks good on a resume’. Depending on how powerful your “mentor” is you can also say “I know someone powerful." While this is beneficial more times than none, that “power” can be abused.

   A few days ago ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips, was fired from the company for using his intern, 22-year-old production assistant Brooke Hundley, for sexual favors. Just when the situation couldn’t get any worse, Hundley targeted Phillip’s family by boldly revealing to his wife she and Phillips were now together. Marni Phillips, who has filed for divorce from Steve Phillips on Aug. 19, was again approached when Hundley made a visit to her home. Phillips left this 911 call:

   "Please hurry - I have a crazy woman who is involved with my husband and she's come to my house to harm me and my children... She has been threatening me via text and phone calls." http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerpop/article_272628660.shtml

   But Hundley didn’t let the situation die there. She even left harrassing messages on Phillips oldest son’s Facebook account.

   Fellas, the obvious lesson here is: Get the girl’s background before you decide to fool around with her, especially if you’re cheating on your wife (not that I’m condoning that).

   Sadly, I believe Hundley is suffering the most from this whole scandal. Hundley’s internship, which is supposed to be a rewarding experience, has turned into a national embarrassment. On a more sadden note, Phillips will not suffer nearly as much. Yeah, sure he lost his wife and kids but on a professional scale guys like Phillips often (not always) bounce back. Look at David Letterman’s scandal. And not to mention the now infamous Bill Clinton scandal.

   Interns, if you’re looking to get lucky with your mentor think twice because you suffer the most. Don’t believe me? Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky! Clinton got off scott free and is occasionally reminded of the incident, normally on stand-up comedies, Family Guy and Saturday Night Live. But whenever you hear the name Monica Lewinsky, nothing good comes to mind. This incident will follow Hundley the rest of her life.

   Truthfully, this kind of incident doesn’t just occur in big companies. Incidents such as this can occur right here on our own campus. So nothing good comes from doing “favors” for your mentor, especially if he or she is powerful.

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