Reporter resigns amid rumors of relationship with John Farrell

In a story that seemed to come out of nowhere on Friday, Jessica Moran, a reporter who covered the Boston Red Sox for Comcast SportsNet in New England, resigned from the network amid questions about the nature of her relationship with Red Sox manager John Farrell.

According to the Boston Globe, rumors and speculation surrounding Moran and Farrell's relationship had been running rampant this week among local and national baseball reporters. Much of that speculation began when the Red Sox media guide, which was released to reporters last week, listed Farrell as no longer married. The speculation quickly but quietly grew from that point on, which we can only assume was further fueled by interactions that were witnessed by members of the media.

By Friday, it reached the point where members of the media felt it needed to be addressed by Farrell himself. He declined to comment when approached, which only served to fan the flames of speculation. As did his confirmation that he's currently separated from his wife, Sue, as they go through divorce proceedings.

“I can confirm that we’re in the process of getting a divorce,” Farrell told the Globe in a phone call on Friday. “As you can understand, this is a tough time for my family.”

When pressed specifically about a relationship with Moran, Farrell responded by saying “My private life is private.”

The Globe also reached out to Moran and received the following response via text message.

“I have stepped away from Comcast SportsNet as I thought it was in my best personal and professional interest to do so. They have been extremely supportive during my tenure at the network — and with this decision — and I am very appreciative of that.”

A lot of questions were asked and opportunities to deny such a relationship existed were given, but there were no denials to be found on Friday.

Of course, that does not necessarily confirm that there's anything beyond a professional relationship between Moran, the reporter, and Farrell, the manager, but it leaves the door open for more questions to be asked. Those would include how long this possible relationship has been going on, whether or not her employers at Comcast SportsNet were aware, and if so, how they went about addressing it leading up to her resignation.

Either way, these rumors will no doubt shift the focus from what was supposed to be a triumphant return for Farrell following his battle with stage 1 lymphoma, to the more scandalous nature of this possible relationship.

If true, this would be not be the first time such a relationship blossomed between a member of the Boston media and a member of the Red Sox team. Reporter Jenny Dell and player Will Middlebrooks started dating sometime during the 2013 season, which ultimately led to Dell being reassigned by NESN. The couple is now married, and both continue to pursue their passions in their respective fields.

With that in mind, it would seem beneficial for both Moran and Farrell to come forward and address the rumors so the questions can stop and the focus can go back to baseball. The truth, regardless of what it is, would go a long way toward curbing the public's perception, even if the actions might be considered unprofessional.