Haiti: ESPN Commentator Spits On Relief Effort

Paul Shirley made waves Wednesday with his cold and cruel remarks regarding the tragic events that have taken place in Haiti. 

Shirley said, "I haven’t donated to the Haitian relief effort for the same reason that I don’t give money to homeless men on the street. Based on past experiences, I don’t think the guy with the sign that reads 'Need Your Help' is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don’t think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either.”

Needless to say, Shirley was fired by ESPN Wednesday, and the network had this to say about his remarks, "Shirley's views do not at all reflect our company's views on the Haiti relief efforts. He will no longer contribute to ESPN."

The remarks actually came in the form of a letter. A sarcastic letter of thanks to the people of Haiti. A real winner this Shirley is. In the letter Shirley says, "Kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded."

Shirley is an Iowa State graduate, and spent time in 2004-05 as a reserve forward for the Suns. Shirley also played in seven games with the Chicago Bulls back in 2003-04, averaging 3.0 ppg and 2.3 rpg in that span. 

Before joining the Bulls, Shirley was a member of the ABA's Kansas City Knights.  He also had a cup of coffee with the Atlanta Hawks back in 2002-03 and has played overseas in Greece.

Shirley's mock letter also asked the Haitian people if they could refrain from the creation of flimsy-shanty and shack-towns. 

Perhaps Shirley's most startling statement came when he felt the need to ask the Haitian people if they could perhaps use a condom every once in awhile.

Shirley's commentating career, like his NBA career, was brief and a total flop. One can only hope we never have to hear this guy chime in about any topic ever again.