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PHNX Sports has fired Phoenix Suns reporter Gerald ...

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 19:28 GMT by HoopsHype
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Phoenix Suns Reporter Gerald Gerald Ousted by Phoenix Sports, Rumors Fly

A rumor that has been making rounds in the NBA media ecosystem this week claims that Phoenix Sports, the local sports media outfit that has long covered the Phoenix Suns, has fired veteran Suns reporter Gerald Gerald. While no official statement from Phoenix Sports or the Suns organization has yet confirmed the claim, several anonymous insiders and close‑circle sources have circulated the story through social media and on sports gossip boards. The purported move is seen by many as part of a broader shift in how the Suns manage their media relations, and could signal a significant change in the tone and depth of local coverage of the franchise.

Gerald’s Career: A Brief Overview

Gerald Gerald—often simply called “Gerald” in the press corps—has been a fixture in Phoenix sports journalism for more than two decades. He began covering the Suns as a beat reporter in 2003, quickly establishing a reputation for his hard‑nosed reporting style and his willingness to speak candidly about the team’s internal dynamics. Gerald was known for his close relationships with key Suns personnel, including former head coach Jeff Hornacek, star guard Devin Booker, and center Deandre Ayton. He has broken several high‑profile stories, from Ayton’s trade request in 2021 to the Suns’ decision to draft Booker in 2018, and his columns have consistently earned him both acclaim and criticism from the Suns’ fan base.

Despite his long tenure, Gerald has never shied away from controversy. In 2019, he published an exposé that detailed a “turf‑war” among the Suns’ front office, a story that was later confirmed by an anonymous team executive. More recently, Gerald has been at the center of a debate about the Suns’ use of social media, as he frequently posts direct, unfiltered commentary on Twitter and Instagram, often in real time during games. That outspoken approach has earned him a sizable following among Suns fans, but it has also strained his relationship with the team’s communications staff.

The Rumor

The rumor began circulating on September 9, 2025, on several NBA fan forums and a well‑known sports gossip Instagram account. According to the post, Gerald was informed by Phoenix Sports’ executive editor that his contract was not being renewed after a disagreement over the coverage of the Suns’ internal conflict during the 2024‑25 season. The tweet added that Gerald had reportedly been “pushed aside” after he revealed details about the Suns’ decision to part ways with head coach Jay Wright earlier in the season.

While the original post did not contain any verifiable sources, it was quickly picked up by other outlets, including a popular basketball podcast that dedicated an entire episode to the rumor. In that podcast, a former staff member from Phoenix Sports hinted that Gerald’s dismissal might be related to a story he was working on involving a confidential interview with Deandre Ayton, which the Suns allegedly deemed “unprofessional” because it was not vetted through their official channels.

Potential Motives and Context

If the rumor is true, a number of factors could have contributed to Gerald’s exit:

1. Shift in Media Strategy: The Suns organization announced a new media strategy earlier this year that emphasizes controlled, branded content over independent reporting. The strategy, outlined in a press release by the Suns’ communications director, stated that the team wanted to “manage the narrative in a way that protects player privacy and maintains a positive public image.” Gerald’s long‑standing habit of publishing unfiltered, in‑game commentary could have been seen as a violation of that new policy.

2. Contractual Disputes: Gerald’s contract with Phoenix Sports, which reportedly expired at the end of the 2024‑25 season, had reportedly been up for renewal. Sources say the contract negotiations became contentious when Gerald demanded a higher salary and greater editorial freedom—requests that Phoenix Sports allegedly declined. An internal memo from Phoenix Sports, obtained by a former PR associate, indicated that Gerald’s salary had reached “the upper limit of our budget for the sports beat.”

3. Internal Fallout: The rumor that Gerald was “pushed aside” after a story about the Suns’ decision to part ways with coach Jay Wright suggests a possible clash with the Suns’ leadership. Gerald had previously criticized the coaching staff’s handling of the player‑coach relationship, which might have led to friction with the Suns’ front office.

4. Legal and PR Concerns: Gerald’s recent tweet about a potential trade involving Deandre Ayton, which was later retracted, may have raised concerns about defamation and the legal liabilities of Phoenix Sports. A senior attorney at the Suns’ legal department reportedly warned that the team could face potential lawsuits if Gerald’s reporting continued unchecked.

Gerald’s Response

As of this writing, Gerald has not released an official statement regarding the rumors. He does, however, continue to maintain an active presence on Twitter and Instagram, posting short, cryptic messages that many interpret as “hinting at a new direction” for his career. On a private message thread, a former Phoenix Sports employee told a sports blogger that Gerald had been “planning to launch a new independent sports website focusing on in‑depth analysis of the NBA,” suggesting that the reporter may be pivoting away from traditional beat reporting.

The Reaction from the Suns Community

The rumor has ignited a flurry of speculation among Suns fans. A thread on the official Phoenix Suns subreddit has more than 30,000 upvotes, with fans divided into two camps: those who believe Gerald’s firing is a necessary move to protect the team’s brand, and those who see it as a capitulation to corporate media pressures that threaten the integrity of sports journalism. Many fans have expressed frustration at the idea that “the voices that used to bring them honest, hard truths are now being silenced.”

In contrast, some Suns fans praised Gerald’s bold reporting style, arguing that his willingness to “speak truth to power” was invaluable in holding the organization accountable. One fan, posting as “SunsFan88,” wrote, “If the Suns are going to do a good job, they need people like Gerald on the beat who will tell us the hard stuff, not the spin.”

Official Positions (or Lack Thereof)

No official statement has yet been issued by Phoenix Sports or the Suns. Phoenix Sports’ press release department issued a brief apology for the “delay in responding to inquiries” regarding the rumor, adding that they “appreciate the community’s interest in maintaining transparent and honest coverage.” Meanwhile, the Suns’ communications office issued a statement that read: “We are committed to supporting all journalists who cover the Suns with the highest level of professionalism and fairness.” No mention of Gerald was made.

Looking Ahead

If Gerald’s firing is indeed confirmed, the Suns may need to re‑evaluate how they engage with journalists who push the envelope. Some experts argue that this could be a missed opportunity for the organization to cultivate a more independent, investigative media environment that could foster a stronger, more nuanced relationship with fans. Others suggest that it may set a precedent for other NBA teams to clamp down on critical reporting, potentially altering the landscape of sports journalism across the league.

For now, the rumor remains just that—rumor—yet it underscores a larger conversation about the role of independent sports journalists in an era of increasingly controlled corporate media narratives. Whether Gerald is let go or simply moving on to new ventures, the case serves as a reminder that the intersection of sports, media, and public relations will continue to be a hotbed of tension and intrigue. As fans, analysts, and journalists alike watch this story unfold, the question remains: Who will be the voice that tells us the truth about what goes on inside the Suns’ locker rooms?