I see a mess where there should be none. What's the problem with these people? Firing over the phone, seeking out media attention and badmouthing your former employer... It really doesn't matter if you are the chairman of the board or the CEO, there are things you really shouldn't do.
I can't imagine even a lowly temp warrants being fired over the phone. It's just common decency. If there are security or legal concerns then film it and have a lawyer and security guard there. But doing it over the phone doesn't make Yahoo! look good, not that much of anything does anymore.
Additionally, why wasn't this one of those "resign or we'll get rid of you" situations? That's how I've seen it worked at companies I've worked at in the past. Doing it over the phone seems purposefully spiteful.
