Former referee and sports commentator Erman Toroğlu announced his resignation from the Sözcü Media Group during the program "Maç Varsa Erman Hoca Var" (If There's a Match, There's Coach Erman), which airs on Sözcü TV. Toroğlu announced his decision during the YouTube live broadcast while the program was being hosted by Yasin Yıldırım.
While it was stated that 50 people were laid off from Sözcü newspaper due to restructuring and downsizing, Toroğlu said he was uncomfortable with the developments taking place at the institution. Expressing that his departure might have consequences for some employees, Toroğlu said, "With my departure, maybe they can save the jobs of 10-15 people."
Describing the process of joining the Sözcü Media Group, Toroğlu stated that he first began writing for the newspaper, and then Yılmaz Özdil and Güney Öztürk offered him a television program. Expressing his discomfort with the changes in the broadcasting medium, Toroğlu said, "I came here because there was television."
Pointing to the institution's identity as a news channel, Toroğlu emphasized that he is not interested in politics and that his field is sports. Stating that he has been evaluating his articles in the newspaper, the stance of the television station, and developments in different channels recently, Toroğlu said, "As of this moment, I am leaving the newspaper and television of the Sözcü Media Group."
Toroğlu also said that his decision was not sudden. The sports commentator stated that he had been observing the developments for about a month and noted that he made his final decision that afternoon. Drawing attention to his principles in his professional life, Toroğlu said, "I cannot accept certain sanctions. I saw that it would not continue this way."
At the end of his statement, Toroğlu thanked the people he worked with, saying, "I thank everyone. Especially Yılmaz Özdil and Güney. I came with them. Greetings to Mr. Burak as well, I thank him too. From now on, I will look to my own path."
News Source: 12punto
