Zoom: Duck Man was allowed to speak his mind and discuss his principles. He's going to suffer a business setback as a result, but that's business. A&E didn't do anything to suppress Duck Man's freedom of speech.
Actions have consequences. Contracts create expectations, limitations, standards, and requirements. A party failing to abide those contractual duties may be compelled by the other party to pay a penalty, to suffer a consequence.
A&E is a big corporation. It's business purpose is to produce tv shows that attract viewers and make make money by selling commercials. Duck Man freely entered a contract committing him to use his best efforts to advance the business purpose of the contract ... to build and maintain viewership. He didn't have to do that ... he entered the contract freely.
When a party to a tv production contract commits acts ... including shooting off his mouth ... that adversely affects the show's popularity, he breaches the contract. A&E isn't interested in what may or may not be "morally acceptable." A&E is in it to make a show that attracts, rather than repels, viewers. A&E spends big bucks to measure the viewership and attractiveness of its shows ... it has no interest in social issues, one way or another. A&E is watching the bottom line ... first, foremost, and always. If Duck Man wants to preach rather than perform, thats his decision. But he can't put his business partner in a bind without suffering a consequence.
