As reported in the LA Times and elsewhere, a red-faced Associated Press inadvertently dispatched a long, long list of contact information for major sports figures on Wednesday containing over 600 names and phone numbers intended for internal use only. Despite an immediate recall, the list ended up being copied and distributed via email and is now popping up in inboxes everywhere.
Professional embarrassment aside, the damage could have been worse. Many of the phone numbers have long since been disconnected or reassigned, and several of the more prominent celebrities are deceased. "It's definitely a little dated," noted About.com's Golf Guide Brent Kelley after perusing the list. "I tried calling Gene Autry, for example, but he was on the other line with John Edward." At last report, Joe DiMaggio wasn't returning phone calls either.
Professional embarrassment aside, the damage could have been worse. Many of the phone numbers have long since been disconnected or reassigned, and several of the more prominent celebrities are deceased. "It's definitely a little dated," noted About.com's Golf Guide Brent Kelley after perusing the list. "I tried calling Gene Autry, for example, but he was on the other line with John Edward." At last report, Joe DiMaggio wasn't returning phone calls either.
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