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| Mike Shumann |
I ask Mike Shumann on the phone how's he doing?
"My life has been turned upside down."
"A simple misunderstanding combined with social media run amok' and you have this, " he tells me.
This.
The former KGO-TV sports anchor who was fired after a spotless 25-year career with absolutely nothing on his record even remotely suggesting he's had any issues, professional, personal or otherwise.
I called it "Railroaded" --thrown out to the wolves.
Shumann tells me on the record that life is very different now. He can't talk extensively because the modest severance he got from KGO/ABC contains a confidentiality clause. He understands the decision his bosses made; he also, incredible as it is, has no beef with the Warriors even though he swears his innocence.
"I understand." But he's not bitter and angry, just confused.
He believes the entire episode of him being accused of stealing a team jacket which was caught on video was not only a gross misunderstanding but, with social media, the byproduct of his demise. Surely, someone or some group of people who had the power could have stood up and got all parties together and enabled Shumann to give his side of the story and explain the situation because he deserved that at the very least.
Nobody did. Some who could have, to this day, stood by and did nothing.
Shumann was caught in a deluge of circumstances beyond his control.
"I never would have imagined being here today in this situation and out of work and my life, my livelihood, my sense of being reduced to all this--it's like a nightmare."
Shumann took the jacket and returned it to a Warriors' PR person that night. (I'm not using the name out of protection to the person) but the team had the jacket. Furthermore, Shumann tells me he merely saw the jacket after practice and picked it up out of courtesy to the security guard and all along intended to give it to him. That's it.
Shumann has been in the Bay Area for over 40 years; a football player with the SF 49ers and began at KGO in 1992 as a sports reporter and weekend anchor and fill-in. Again, his record, as verified by this site, is clean. No issues. No warnings. Nothing. Nada.
Shumann is a family man. A devoted husband and father. A wife. A daughter in college. He's never rocked the boat, any boat for that matter.
"People both who know me and don't know me have come up to me and offered support. That's what's keeping me together now."
Railroaded? You betcha.
And more.
#415MEDIA Exclusive
Fucking, wow.
ReplyDeleteOver 60 should be ready to retire $ wise termination is a blessing
ReplyDeleteIn this economy?? What do you do for a living? I've been in construction over 40 years,moved up to management, made very good money, retirement etc. and because of the recession. I won't see retirement at all. I'll die in the saddle.
DeleteYou're lucky, Glad you're young enough not to feel the pain of my generation.
To me it's as simple as black & white. It is similar as when the Giants' players got rid of Andrew Baggarly. The inmates run the asylum.
ReplyDeleteBaggarly is still around.
DeleteWhy would he return it to a Warriors PR person? That's weird. Shumann's response was totally predictable. Must be more to the story Rich. Keep digging as you only have one side.
ReplyDeleteRich, three sentences doesn't give any insight. He doesn't even try to clear his name and you fall for it. Get a clue he got caught stealing.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like it's worth a call to the Warriors p.r. dept for comment. I'm sure Rich already thought of that and is saving it for another heavily-teased column.
ReplyDeleteDoes those who knew him include prominent ex-49er teammates? If so, he has a case. Otherwise, there is another side, so make the same effort to get answers there.
ReplyDeleteNATO is being slammed by dumbo POTUS, POTUS is beholdin to Russia and we're concerned about a dumb ass jacket, too funny
ReplyDeleteNATO, is being slammed because not all countries aren't paying their fair share. If you want to pay more in taxes because of that, go right ahead.
DeleteThey don't tax those that take all the handouts.
DeleteThe post at 4:34.
DeleteThose angry white liberals at it again. Still bitter.
Oh no!
I was waiting for Shumann to say this when he was first accused of stealing the jacket, but he never did. That made me wonder. Also, he obviously had no goodwill with the players, since they were the ones who lobbied to get rid of him. So while Shumann could be telling the truth, I can't say I'm convinced.
ReplyDeleteIt was ONE player.
DeleteHey Mike, play the race card........oops, wrong race.
ReplyDeleteGreat reply in today's era.
DeleteYep. If he were, you can bet John Burris would be smacking his lips.
DeleteStation saw an opening to terminate an older, higher paid employee and took it. Maybe Dubs didn't like him and ABC took the hint.
ReplyDeleteAs Hill would say "a big nothing burger". Thought there would be more.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you missed the point of the attacks on him for taking the jacket, supposedly to sell it . None of the reporting or angry comments mentioned that he gave the jacket to a pr person that night. If that's true, it makes all the difference. You don't need "more".
DeleteI assumed the delay was Shumann clearing this with his attorney or "reps" as Rich calls them. I also assumed that he has some type of confidentially agreement which would limit what he can say.
ReplyDeleteStill curious, did he return the jacket BEFORE anyone said anything or contacted him? To me it makes a big difference and goes to intent.
Right. The only thing to do in a case like this is to immediately obtain counsel and not say a word about it. If he was terminated due a misunderstanding, he has cause for a lawsuit. If he was terminated because of his age, he has cause for a lawsuit. His story sounds legitimate to me. He knew there were cameras all over that basketball court. He probably knew exactly who had been sitting in that very seat. He likely knows the guy. Since he appeared to be the only one around, he picked it up to return it. Who would steal a cheap athletic jacket/jersey anyway, under all those circumstances? Ugly, and if the Warriors lobbied for his removal, he has grounds for a lawsuit against them for defamation of character, loss of professional standing, loss of income, prejudicial behavior, ridiculous. Professionals don't have to like each other, they just have to be professionals. I don't see what the Warriors have done regarding this at all professional.
DeleteThat is the key question...I can't understand why Rich can't get at least that much info.
DeleteSocial Media has nothing to do with this. Only 2 possibilities.
ReplyDelete1. He idiotically stole the jacket. A thief.
2. He was just being reckless and careless. No big deal. But the station and/or team saw it as an opportunity to get rid of him. Clearly the players did not stick up for him, so he is not well liked despite being in their locker room for 20+ years.
Did you ever think maybe he was just being thoughtful?
DeleteIn this rude day and age, I know it's rarely considered. That's one reason I don't do things for people anymore. The last time I tried to I got my ass kicked, so I just ignore things around me now even when I think I'm about to see a misfortune.
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ReplyDeleteI’m wondering about this part of your story:
ReplyDelete“Shumann took the jacket and returned it to a Warriors' PR person that night.”
Had Shumann been confronted with the theft accusation before giving it to the PR person?
Did the PR person know Shumann had been accused of stealing the jacket before Shumann handed it over?
Or was the PR person surprised?
Second question. Who leaked the video to media?
The video without context makes him look guilty. Who would have access to such surveillance video?
I would contact the team head of security for the access to that video...
DeleteOh wait...
Nevermind.
Did Shumann ever explain what he was doing with the jacket or how soon he planned to hand it in to lost and found? If not, no wonder people jumped to conclusions. I will say that I thought some of the Warrior players jumped too conclusions rather quickly as well.
ReplyDeleteYes.
DeleteSo....Schumann picked something up of so little value that it's owner didn't miss it, his actions were inspired by undefined motives/intent, and he was dismissed without a proper investigation.
ReplyDeleteI think circle 7 should be sued for being petty and having for having no commitment to it's staff at the very least.
I've known and worked with Shoo for a while. The man is not one of of those self centered primadanna's on the tube. If he say's he turned over the jacket to one of the Warrior's PR people and if that person; without hesitation confirms his story that will be the end of the alleged theft. If that person hesitate's in the slightest with a response then there is collusion going on here, between the Warriors, ABC Sports and KGO-TV. Shoo has probably already talked strategy with his counsel. Even if he signed an NDA there are legal ramifications he has the option to pursue. NDA's, just like contracts were made to be broken. And to all those holier-than-thou who have posted calling him a thief! Be careful what you say because the only person who has never been called a thief has yet to arrive on this earth. Wait till all the evidence is in. Shoo, there are some deep pockets involved here: The Warriors, ABC Sports and KGO-TV. They have ruined your life and taken away your livelihood. All I can say is make sure the settlement is well into the 7 digits range. Disney hates trials because its bad for business; just look at the settlement they made with Heather Ishimaru. The Warriors are the same as they consider themselves the darling's of Bay Area professional sports. And if you want you can also go after those players who made public derogatory remarks about you. They too are loaded. Realize that your broadcasting career is over and you need to take the necessary financial steps to care for you and your family. Take them to the cleaners.
ReplyDeleteBS 11:29, if he’s getting severance then he signed a release. I’ve been in HR for 40 yrs and have seen releases hold up 100% of the time.
DeleteWhy the hell would he sign a Release if he didn’t do it and knew if was his best chance for any dough. If he’s that hard up for money that he signed it, there is bigger story than the theft here.
Tis true what 11:29 suggests. Because the Warriors are a great bouncy ball team, there are treated, especially by the Chronicle as the second coming. Endless puff pieces on the cooking secrets of the spouse and the bathroom habits of the offspring are pimped as actual news. A reporter who won't join the cult is ostracized. Gotta go now, there's a new headline about Steph Curry's favorite toilet paper. I believe Shoo.
DeleteHR means Hold and Release. Who is it that's always there when they're showing you the door, HR! That's the release part. They'll hold you till they've sucked every ounce from your being then they'll throw you out into the streets. HR is not privy to those decisions made behind close doors by ownership and senior management. I know, I've been there. As to the part of releases holding up! You probably don't know about the payouts that are made every day at some lawyer's office.
DeleteWorking in multi-billion dollar global companies I too have never seen a Release that did not hold up. I suppose if a Release isn't crafted well there may be an out. But thats why $ 800 an hour employment attorneys exist to make sure Releases are iron clad.
Deletei pray that matt steinment will steal a jacket and get fired so we don't have to hear his boring bland voice
ReplyDeleteor Ray Fosse
ReplyDeleteFantastic job Richie! Worked with Shu. Good guy. Something doesn't add up. Might have more to do with an a-hole ND and Disney Gestapo tactics. Hope he sues, it would be case #5 for Ms. Trixie.
ReplyDeleteTrixie's numerous lawsuits against her might be a factor if Shu does file suit.
DeleteThis big exclusive was like the build-up to Al Capone's vault. So many obvious simple questions unanswered...and probably unasked. Why wouldn't you name the Warriors p.r. guy who got the jacket or reach out for a comment? Seems like a key piece of the puzzle. Do you get free Warriors tickets? Also seems like the confidentiality agreement was already breached simply by talking to someone in "the media." Call us when the soup is finally ready.
ReplyDeleteUnless you are privy to the agreement, you wouldn't know what's in it Such agreements tied into severance packages are definitely not sacrosanct. See is you can figure out why( think coercion)
DeleteHe was railroaded by the petulant Warrior players.
ReplyDeleteBut not one person in the bay area newspapers will come out and criticize the players for rushing to judgment.
Too timid.
Bay Area newspapers, where fawning over sports figures is a science.
Shu has a good case against the Warriors for leaking the video to intentionally slander him.
ReplyDeleteDisney/KGO built/milked their Sports dept around the Warriors for the last 4 seasons with the NBA's ble$$ing. Does anyone really think KGO would kill the fatted calf over a former pro player with 25 years experience even tho he brought the jacket to the teams pr guy THAT NIGHT? He is the replaced by MB ( or whoever they decide on) with a significantly lower $alary. Trump would approve.
ReplyDeleteLast night I found a credit card in the street and my first thought was "I need to pick it up so no one can go on a charging spree with this person's lost card." However, my second thought was "What if I pick it up and someone thinks I'M stealing it?" My fear almost made me walk away, but then I did what I believe is the right thing. I picked up the card and called the credit card company to notify them and the cardholder about the lost card so it could be cancelled. That's the world we live in today. Sad that we don't first assume a man took a jacket that was left behind with the purpose of returning it. :(
ReplyDelete