Only the Chris Benoit murder/suicide and the steroid trials have done more damage to the WWE's public relations image than the sex scandal that arose amidst allegations of abuse, molestation and harassment in 1992. Former ring boys, most notably Tom Cole, announcer Murray Hodgson and wrestler Barry Orton (Randy's uncle) all came forth with claims of sexual impropriety in the workplace, Cole said that Director of Wrestling Operations Terry Garvin sexually harassed him, that ring announcer Mel Phillips had an unhealthy fascination with his feet, and that booker/road agent/talent relations head Pat Patterson grabbed his backside. There were reports that the men used their high-ranking positions in the company to get away with the behavior and even exchanged sexual favors for career advancement. For his part, Vince McMahon claimed it was all a witch hunt against him for being progressive enough to hire homosexuals to important positions in his industry. Patterson, Garvin, and Phillips all resigned from the company amidst the controversy and the WWE reached settlements with all parties involved, and Cole even came out in support of Linda McMahon in her Senate campaign. Any other examples you can think of where WWE employees were extremely unprofessional? Name them in the comments.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
