NESN’s attempts to explain its refusal to air Red Sox tribute to Don Orsillo

If NESN were a stock, the last month would cause its price to drop like a sieve. The network’s treatment of Don Orsillo has made it look like a bully while Orsillo’s handling of it has made him look rather remarkable. A lesser person would lash out after learning the network was not bringing him back, but Orsillo has done his work as the Boston Red Sox TV voice as professionally as possible.

On Sunday, Orsillo’s last home game as Red Sox voice, the team played a tribute which was only seen inside Fenway Park. Fans and the Red Sox all gave Orsillo a standing ovation. It made Orsillo emotional as you can see from the video below:

However, if you noticed from that video, NESN came back from commercial and it was Jerry Remy who explained that the tribute played at the park. NESN didn’t air it. And after complaints from fans and from writers, the network finally provided an excuse a statement as to why it didn’t air the tribute:

The statement was issued over 24 hours after the tribute played at Fenway and if you notice the timestamp, published at 6:37 p.m. ET on Monday. Had the statement been issued at 6:37 p.m., Sunday, NESN might have been given a pass, however by sending it out late on Monday, it continues the tone-deaf treatment of Orsillo who has been the personification of class throughout this mess.

And it seems as if NESN is hastily putting together its own tribute even if it was planned ahead of time.

Orsillo’s last two tweets over the last month in regards to the story have been understated, but also sent out a message:

In a Dave Matthews mood tonight!….https://t.co/rk3sGbnf0o

— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) September 3, 2015

Last Fenway Day! Thank u for letting me be a part of your family. I heard you all and will never forget #Donatangelo https://t.co/soC52jYQ10

— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) September 27, 2015

“It’s Out of my Hands” and “Time to Say Goodbye” pretty much say it all. And while Orsillo is leaving with a heavy heart, perhaps he’s getting out at the right time. Next week, an announcement is expected to reveal that he’ll replace Dick Enberg as TV voice of the San Diego Padres.