Late last month NESN announced popular broadcaster Don Orsillo would not be returning for next season in a move that did not sit will with many Red Sox fans.
Despite firing Orsillo, the network reportely wanted the long time play-by-play announcer to lie and communicate his leaving as a mutual decision.
Per sources, NESN – facing huge backlash – asked Don Orsillo to tweet that he wasn't being fired and it was a mutual parting. He declined.
— Kirk Minihane (@kirkmin) September 4, 2015
The news sparked a protest of sorts as fans brought posters in support of Orsillo to a game between the Red Sox and Yankees. However, they did not make it into Fenway Park as employees working the gates were instructed to confiscate the signs upon entry. There is also a petition on Change.org urging the Red Sox to change their mind and keep Orsillo at NESN that currently has over 58,000 supporters.
Orsillo has been a member of the Red Sox broadcast team since 2001 and to say he has become a fan favorite would be an understatement. It was always unlikely a move involving him no longer on the microphone (whatever the reason) would go over well and it certainly has not.
