ESPN's MELROSE Apologizes For Remarks About PRUDENTIAL CENTER

(From Sports Business Daily)

ESPN hockey analyst BARRY MELROSE apologized yesterday for comments he made last week about the new PRUDENTIAL CENTER in Newark, according to JEFFREY MAYS of THE NEWARK STAR-LEDGER.

During a Webcast last week, Melrose said fans should not walk around outside the arena, "especially if you got a wallet or anything because the area around the building is awful."

Melrose's apology comes after Newark Mayor CORY BOOKER said the Web cast "shows extreme ignorance and the comments are utterly absurd. This guy doesn’t know Newark. He hasn't visited the city recently."

LILO STAINTON, a spokesperson for New Jersey Governor JON CORZINE, said, "ESPN needs to do a better job of putting people on air who know what they are talking about."

Melrose said yesterday, "I was trying to be funny. That's how I talk and use my humor for entertainment. It obviously didn’t come across that way."

He added, "I don’t think the area is unsafe. I would walk around downtown Newark anytime. I certainly never meant malice toward New Jersey or the Devils."

Melrose also called Booker’s office to apologize. 

ESPN Vice President/Public Relations JOSH KRILEWITZ indicated that the net "considered the matter closed and there likely won't be any disciplinary actions taken."

Melrose acknowledged that he has not been to Prudential Center, and that he "based his comments on footage" aired by TSN before the Devils' first game at the arena."