According to the network, "His ability to be an effective representative for ESPN has been significantly and irreparably damaged, and it became evident it was time to part ways." Phillips took a leave of absence when his affair with an ESPN production assistant became public. 22-year old Brooke Hundley began harassing Phillips wife and son when he broke the affair off In 1998, Phillips admitted having sex with a Mets employee, who sued for sexual harassment. That case was settled out of court.