WWE Smackdown: Report Claims Head Writer Michael Hayes Suspended
By George Taue
Apr 23, 2008
(Stamford, Connecticut) -- WWE Smackdown's Head Writer Michael Hayes, a powerful "inner circle" member close to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, has reportedly been suspended from World Wrestling Entertainment for 60 days following an alleged incident that took place during Wrestlemania weekend in Orlando, Florida.
WWE Smackdown: Report Claims Head Writer Michael Hayes Suspended
Hayes, a founding member of the tag team "The Fabulous Freebirds" in the 1970's, has always played his "good ol' boy" image and used to wear elaborate robes decorated in the Confederate Flag. Hayes allegedly used racist language towards SmackDown star Mark Henry.
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In an incident that was 1st reported by www.PWInsider.com, with more details posted this week by www.ProWrestling.net and www.Rajah.com, several sources report Hayes, who has been pictured on the cover of wrestling magazines with bottles of Jack Daniels, and is known for his ability to reportedly drink large quanities of Jagermeister and Jack Daniels, was drinking with several wrestlers at a party that was held either Friday or Saturday night.
Hayes, who was reported to have made a drunken spectacle of himself at WWE heiress Stephanie McMahon's wedding a few years ago, is reported to have told Henry, "I'm more of a (n-word) than you are." Henry, an African-American wrestler nicknamed "The Silverback" took offense to the comment, and lodged a complaint regarding the incident.
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It has also been reported that Hayes, real name Michael Seitz of Stockbridge, Georgia, was one of the main reasons for the departure of "Donald Trump's Wrestler" Bobby Lashley, who did not keep his feelings about Hayes' conduct a secret during his WWE tenure. Several websites have reported that WWE tried to keep the suspension quiet.
Those who inquired were told that Hayes was on vacation. No word on any reaction from MyNetworkTV, which will host Smackdown this Fall, or The CW Network, which is the present home for WWE's Friday Night weekly 2 hour broadcast. The story is obviously developing, more information on the reported suspension will be at Wrestling News Desk as it becomes available.
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