Question about ESN

[champ052005]

I have a quick question:

A phone being unlocked doesn't do anything to the ESN right?

Me and my buddy were discussing this, and I was positive it had no effect on the ESN going bad. But he was sure that trying to activate an unlocked phone would make the ESN bad.

I was under the impression that ESNs only go bad when the phone is reported stolen, or when Sprint, or any other carrier, cancels your account.

Just wanted others opinions. Because unlocked phones are sold and activated all the time.