Reynolds, ESPN Deny Us What Could Have Been A Beautiful Trial

It might seem strange to imagine now, but for about three days back in July 2006, the words "Harold Reynolds" were the most commonly searched terms on the Web. This was back during the time that ESPN would pretend the world didn't deserve to know about its personnel issues, before they showed the sure hand of public relations in the Dana Jacobson incident.

Well, the trial of Harold Reynolds Vs. ESPN, scheduled for SOMETIME, finally settled last night. Terms were not disclosed, but Harold had originally sued for $5 million.

"This was a matter of principle," Reynolds, who now works for MLB.com, said in a statement. "I stood on principle and didn't waver. My goals were met. Now I can put this behind me and concentrate on the game I love." ESPN said it stood by its decision to dismiss Reynolds. It said in a statement that the settlement was "economically compelling to ESPN," amounting to a "fraction of his demands and less than what it would have cost to litigate the case."

When we spoke to Reynolds last year, he reiterated the "principle" stand and expressed frustration that the process was taking so long. Now he can go back to working for MLB.com, and we can go back to listening to Eric Young on "Baseball Tonight." And we miss out on what would have been a rather amazing trial. Alas.

Reynolds And ESPN Settle Lawsuit [New York Times] Our Interview With Harold Reynolds [Deadspin]