Zaun issues 'absolute apology' for inappropriate behavior

Gregg Zaun, the longtime Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster who was fired by Sportsnet last week for what was described as inappropriate behavior and comments, issued an apology Monday.

In the apology, which Zaun posted on his Facebook page, the former big-league catcher noted that before learning of the allegations - Rogers Media president Rick Brace said in a statement last week that several women accused Zaun of "inappropriate behavior and comments" - he "naively believed that my language and behaviour were not considered offensive." Zaun, who said he was blindsided and emotionally gutted by the allegations, also stressed that he would have corrected his behavior had he not been blind to the "impact of (his) actions."

Here's the full statement:

Without any exception whatsoever, I want to issue an absolute apology for any harm or distress which may have been caused by my comments with any female colleagues over the recent past. It has never been my intention to give offense to anyone.

I have done a lot of soul searching over the last few days and know that my ignorance of the harm caused by my language does not excuse it – for which I accept responsibility. While I am well recognized for my unfiltered criticism of others within the sports world, which has made many critics and enemies - in ignorance I allowed a similar attitude to influence all aspects of my lifestyle, causing distress for female colleagues.

For more than 10 years now, I have had the privilege of working with the most amazing and talented people and I am agonized to learn that they were affected negatively by me. I apologize deeply to all my colleagues and friends for any offense. I cherish and am proud of our achievements working together.

In the past, when brought to my attention that I demonstrated poor judgement or language and gave offence, I sought to change my behaviour and apologize for any hurt caused. My remorse in the activities drawn to my attention by Rogers this week affecting unnamed individuals, is that it was never raised before and I naively believed that my language and behaviour were not considered offensive. I regret my blindness to the impact of my actions that I would have corrected at the time, rather than allowing the harm felt to continue to fester.

I have been blindsided and emotionally gutted by the allegations and will continue to be regretful.

As I look to the future, I am fortunate enough to be surrounded and supported by family, close friends, and colleagues on whom I will continue to rely and thank for their support.

Before joining Sportsnet as a full-time broadcast analyst in 2011 following his retirement, Zaun spent five seasons with the Blue Jays, appearing in 535 games with the club from 2004-08.