Paul Shirley was a crummy NBA player. Shirley appeared in 18 career games, averaging only 6.7 minutes and 1.8 points per game. Following a short-lived, unforgettable career, he then became a fairly accomplished author.

After this unfortunate column on the Haiti Relief Fund, however, Shirley’s second career may have just come to an end as well. And, given the message sent in the piece, he may be a worse human being than basketball player.

A quick sample of the piece: “I haven’t donated to the Haitian relief effort for the same reason that I don’t give money to homeless men on the street. Based on past experiences, I don’t think the guy with the sign that reads “Need You’re Help” is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don’t think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either.”

Before the posting, Shirley was a freelance contributor to ESPN.com. The network acted swiftly to address the controversy, though, rightfully ending its relationship with him this morning.

Here is ESPN’s brief, concise statement.

“He was a part-time freelance contributor. The views he expressed on another site of course do not at all reflect our company's views on the Haiti relief efforts. He will no longer contribute to ESPN.”