Oct. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Former ESPN baseball analyst Harold Reynolds sued the Walt Disney Co. for at least $5 million, saying its ESPN unit breached its contract when it fired him in July.

Reynolds, who worked at ESPN for 11 years after a 12-year Major League Baseball career, was fired July 24, four months after signing a new six-year contract worth about $1 million per year.

``I have tried everything possible to handle this situation quietly behind the scenes,'' Reynolds said in a statement. ``After numerous conversations and multiple mediation discussions with ESPN executives it is clear that ESPN had no intention of solving this problem amicably.''

Reynolds claims in his complaint, filed yesterday in state court in New Britain, Connecticut, that ESPN failed to give a reason for firing him and didn't properly investigate an allegation about his giving a female intern what he called ``an innocuous hug.''

``It is unfortunate that ESPN has handled this process in an unprofessional manner,'' Reynolds said. `` At the end of the day my integrity, reputation and family are my top priorities, and for those reasons I need to set the record straight and clear my name.''

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said in a telephone interview ``the suit is without merit, we stand by our decision and have no further comment now that litigation has begun.''

Reynolds played second base for the Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles and the California Angels. He won three Gold Glove awards and one stolen-base title and was twice an American League All-Star.

Reynolds v. ESPN Inc., Superior Court, New Britain, Connecticut.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mason Levinson in New York at mlevinson@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 31, 2006 16:55 EST