Firing of Madden makes little sense

WCW management contends that Mark Madden was fired from his $150,000 a year job as color commentator for comments made regarding Scott Hall, the sale of WCW and Diamond Dallas Page. If that's the case, can someone from that same management team explain why Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner or Page for that matter still are employed•

Both Nash and Page consistently have mentioned Hall on television, including a pre-taped interview which aired a few weeks ago on 'Thunder.' During the interview, Nash and Page both referred to Hall, with WCW cutting the sound each time Hall's name was brought up.

That's fine, but what about the interview when Page and Nash hooked up as 'The Insiders?' Obviously, WCW didn't have a problem with Page or Nash talking openly about their relationship with Hall, because WCW let the comments go without so much as a seven-second delay.

And then there's Steiner, who openly ridiculed Page - much like Madden did by calling him 'leatherface' - not long ago on 'Nitro.' Steiner's comments, which where not cleared with management or Page, were far worse than anything Madden said regarding the aging superstar.

The only thing Madden was guilty of was speaking about the sale of WCW. Madden, however, quit talking about the sale - as well as the other controversial matters - as soon as WCW asked him.

Despite the above evidence that suggests Madden was hardly in the wrong, WCW still released the colorful announcer because of his comments, including an alleged interview Madden gave in which he criticized WCW. Madden denies any such interview took place.

This is a simple case of WCW making an example out of Madden. WCW could have just as easily fired Nash, Page or Steiner for the previously mentioned reasons.

But WCW didn't, because picking on Madden is easier than dealing with Nash, Page or Steiner. Would anyone really want to tell Steiner that he's fired because of what he said on TV• Me neither.

And since when does calling a guy 'leatherface' constitute firing• Someone should really sit down with Page and explain to him that what Madden said wasn't that bad. Because Page let the comment bother him that much suggests just how insecure he has become.

In fact, given that Page's character is a 'good guy,' and Madden plays the announcer who cheers the 'bad guys,' the comment doesn't seem totally out of place. In fact, one could make a case that Madden was just doing his job of insulting the babyface.

Not that Madden's comments were justified, but WCW continued its practice of a double standard. But what else would you expect from WCW• This is the same company that suspends wrestlers - with pay. If that is WCW's idea of punishment, I'd love to see what it considers a reward.

It's unfortunate that Madden's tenure with WCW had to end for all the wrong reasons.