Game adviser fired over 'planking' posts

Does GameStop have a no-planking policy?

Yes, says John Mazzocchi, a former game adviser at a Massapequa GameStop who says he was fired after he posted in mid-July Facebook and Twitter photos of himself on the job engaging in the worldwide fad of "planking" -- lying prone supported by two objects and stretched rigid, arms at one's side. Or you can plank yourself supported by your limbs on the ground.

In one photo he's horizontal across an aisle, chest on one display rack and feet on another. In a second photo he's planked across the cash counter, face near the register and feet atop the video game storage drawers.

Mazzocchi, 23, of Farmingdale, posted both photos on his Facebook page, and the consequences were quick. The next day he posted a follow-up message: "Am I the first and only person so far to get fired from their job for planking? I think so!"

GameStop, a video game and entertainment software retail chain with corporate offices in Grapevine, Texas, said it "does not comment on personnel issues, including the situation in question." Mazzocchi could not be reached directly.

Mazzocchi's exploits and his fate are covered on the Web, for example on the site joystiq.com under the headline "planking into unemployment." Joystiq reports, "His planking tweet went up the GameStop corporate food chain and came back down with a pink slip."

As of Friday afternoon a Google search of the phrase "gamestop employee fired for planking" had received 121,000 results.

Planking, an often-daring stunt activity that first caught on in Australia, in recent months has become a fad around the globe. To be considered authentic, planking must be photographed and posted online. That's what Mazzocchi said he did at GameStop's store No. 596 on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa.

On his Twitter page he says he loves the Mets and video games, adding, "I'm also the kid that got fired for planking."

Mazzocchi's Facebook profile said he worked as a senior game adviser at GameStop, with previous positions at the chain's stores in Farmingdale, Syosset and Merrick. He said he studied mass communications at Five Towns College. He gave this description of his job: "I advise you on your . . . game choices, and tell you not to buy Grand Theft Auto for your 8 year old."