'It was a consensual relationship': ESPN releases text messages between a female staffer and SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross in response to her claims he sent unsolicited shirtless pictures and called her 'dollface'

Adrienne Lawrence has accused John Buccigross of sexually harassing her
She claims Buccigross sent her unsolicited shirtless photos of himself in 2016
He also allegedly called her 'dollface', 'dreamgirl' and 'longlegs' in messages seen by the paper
In response, ESPN said Lawrence's claims were without merit and released the messages between the pair to show they had a 'consensual relationship'
It shows them discussing dinner, sharing smiling emojis and joking about music
In a statement, ESPN said Lawrence's claims were 'entirely without merit'
Fantasy sports expert Matthew Berry is another member of the group of men accused of inappropriate behavior at ESPN

Published: 14:46 GMT, 15 December 2017 | Updated: 19:50 GMT, 15 December 2017

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ESPN has released text messages between SportsCenter anchor John Buccigross and a former female colleague who has accused him of inappropriate behavior in a bid to undermine the allegations.

Veteran broadcaster Buccigross, 51, and fantasy sports expert Matthew Berry, 47, are just some of the men accused of misconduct in the Boston Globe's exposé, which was published on Thursday.

Adrienne Lawrence, who joined the network in 2015 as part of a fellowship to promote racial diversity, claimed Buccigross sent her unsolicited shirtless photos of himself in 2016.

He also allegedly called her 'dollface', 'dreamgirl' and 'longlegs' in messages seen by the paper.

Lawrence, who filed a complaint against the network this summer, told the paper she tried to remain friendly in the messages but at one point responded: 'You need to wear clothes, sir'.

In response, ESPN said Lawrence's claims were 'entirely without merit' and released the messages between the pair to show they had a 'consensual relationship' and a 'personal friendship that spanned months'.

It shows them discussing dinner, sharing smiling emojis and joking about music tastes. The released exchange did not include the alleged shirtless pictures.

Adrienne Lawrence (above), who joined the network in 2015 as part of a fellowship to promote racial diversity, claimed John Buccigross sent her unsolicited shirtless photos of himself in 2016

Buccigorss (above) also allegedly called her 'dollface', 'dreamgirl' and 'longlegs' in messages

ESPN released the text exchange between Lawrence (in blue) and Buccigross (in white) and said there was 'no merit' to her allegations. They show the pair arranging to meet for dinner near the ESPN campus in Connecticut. In one message he says: 'Hey dollface'

They then arrange a second dinner after Lawrence said she had a 'great time'. At one point he sends her a message simply saying #longlegs

Katrina Arnold, a spokeswoman for ESPN said: 'We conducted a thorough investigation and found these claims to be entirely without merit.

Lawrence, who filed a complaint against the network this summer, told the paper she tried to remain friendly in the messages but at one point responded: 'You need to wear clothes, sir'

'Lawrence was hired into a two-year talent development program and was told that her contract would not be renewed at the conclusion of the training program.

'At that same time, ESPN also told 100 other talent with substantially more experience, that their contracts would not be renewed.

'The company will vigorously defend its position and we are confident we will prevail in court.'

Arnold added: 'We work hard to maintain a respectful and inclusive culture at ESPN.

'It is always a work in progress, but we’re proud of the significant progress we’ve made in developing and placing women in key roles at the company in the board room, in leadership positions throughout ESPN and on air.'

Buccigross says he wish Lawrence had attended a concert with him and said he would 'throw oil on' himself 'like the flag bearer from Tonga' on a trip water rafting

Lawrence responds by telling Buccigross that he needs to wear clothes. She then responds asking if he is around at the weekend

Lawrence thanked her supporters and the Boston Globe after the story was published. She also slammed ESPN for releasing the text messages, saying the allegations also included photos

Lawrence released a statement after the text messages were released.

The report also contained allegations from former Jets sideline reporter Jenn Sterger, who allegedly received X-rated photos and messages from then-quarterback Brett Favre in 2008

She said: 'As for ESPN’s recent behavior, its decisions to (i) single me out, (ii) ignore my key allegations, which ESPN knows are far broader than text messages and photos, and then (iii) release select, self-serving text messages, only further evidences the culture of this network and the lengths it will go and the unethical means it will employ to try and silence women,” she said in part.

When she complained to the company about rumors that she and Buccigross were in a relationship, Lawrence says she was encouraged to drop the matter.

She claims ESPN then reduced her on-air shifts and denied her a permanent position, allegations which the network denies.

Buccigross denied starting rumors they were in a relationship, telling the paper: 'I considered Adrienne to be a friend. I’m sorry if anything I did or said offended Adrienne. It certainly wasn’t my intent.'

The report also contained allegations from former Jets sideline reporter Jenn Sterger, who allegedly received X-rated photos and messages from then-quarterback Brett Favre in 2008.

Referring to an incident she described on Twitter in October, she claimed Berry led her to a strip club without telling her where they were going and made inappropriate sexual comments towards her.

Asked about the incident, Berry told the Globe it 'was not a smart decision and I regret going'.

He described a photo from the trip in which he is seen pointing at Sterger's breasts as 'personally embarrassing' and said he did not mean any offense.

Former news anchor Sara Walsh, who suffered a miscarriage on air, also claimed she tried to conceal her pregnancy complications out of fear of losing her job at the network.

Jenn Sterger claimed Matthew Berry led her to a strip club without telling her where they were going and made inappropriate sexual comments towards her

Adrienne Lawrence, who joined the network in 2015 as part of a fellowship to promote racial diversity, claimed Buccigross sent her unsolicited shirtless photos of himself in 2016