Chicago's Dan McNeil Fired Over "Degrading" Tweet

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Dan McNeil, Maria Taylor

Chicago's WSCR-AM 670 The Score has fired longtime on-air host Dan McNeil over a "degrading" tweet he posted Monday night regarding the outfit worn by ESPN's Maria Taylor during Monday Night Football. In the tweet, McNeil shared an image of Taylor taken from ESPN's telecast while commenting: "NFL sideline reporter or a host for the AVN annual awards presentation?" AVN is a reference to the Adult Video News, which presents an annual awards show often described as "the Oscars of porn."

McNeil quickly deleted the tweet but not soon enough to prevent substantial backlash from other Twitter users, including several current and former ESPN colleagues of Taylor.

"Just another example of what women have to go through in this business," tweeted former "SportsCenter" host Jemele Hill. "Huge accomplishment for Maria to be part of the MNF team tonight and here comes an [expletive] trying to undermine a big moment in her career."

Taylor herself eventually weighed tweeting: "Well Danny Dearest if you would like to continue making sexist comments about me ... please bring your misogyny with you to the NBA Countdown double header I'll be hosting tomorrow night."

McNeil was fired the following day (Tuesday) by Entercom Chicago. McNeil had been an on-air host since 2018 marking his third stint at the station.

The Chicago Sun Times reports that Entercom Chicago executive Rachel Williamson wrote in an email to staff: "For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility in how we chose to use our voices. Last night's tweet, and its degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable."

She continued, "We have the best teams in Chicago, and we must hold ourselves to high expectations to continue to be leaders in our organization, our industry and our community. We apologize to all who were offended by Dan's words, especially Maria."

McNeil, 59, has not publicly commented on his firing.