Madden FIRED
Pittsburgh:The Post-Gazette is reporting that ESPN 1250 (WEAE) Talk Show host has been fired for the disturbing comments he made about Senator Ted Kennedy during his show last week. The decision came from the Connecticut ESPN headquarters. Josh Krulewitz, the network's VP of Public Relations, tells the PG, "We've taken Mark off the air pursuant to our contractual rights."
See story below.
Readers’ Forum
It’s about time ESPN has taken action with Madden. The man got what he deserved period. I bet the entire Pittsburgh Sports teams are glad he is gone.
Todd - May 27, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Mark was many times way out of line, including these comments, and did himself in. But it’s a shame that an old timer like Smizik used the P-G as a forum to get the guy fired. Wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t get some help form our local football team. After all, Madden was the only sports guy in town who didn’t worship at the altar of Rooney.
Terry - May 28, 2008 at 09:23 am
Bummer…while he could go off the reservation at times, he was the only interesting sports radio in the ‘burgh.
Joey - May 28, 2008 at 11:32 am
Gee, I wonder if ESPN Corporate caught flack from certain “high up” Pittsburgh sports figures? I know it wasn’t all Smizik’s doing but the guy seemed to be on a mission to get Madden canned. I also wouldn’t be surprised if it was known to ESPN through “back channels” that a certain local football team didn’t like Madden.
That all being said I think it stinks they canned Madden. Thanks Bob and the “Local football team” for getting Mark popped! Now who do we have to listen to that is interesting?????
tim - May 28, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I for one am glad [Madden] was taken off the air. It so sad how far radio has sunk since the 96’ radio free for all. I remember a time when broadcasters where expected to have common sense and be professional.
Richard - May 29, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I for one do not really like Madden. I don’t understand why the whole “Kennedy” topic came up on a sports show. Actually, he just said out loud what a lot of people were thinking. He must be one of the many people out there who does not look at the Kennedys as royalty. Ugh. When recently asked by an out of town family member how I felt about Uncle Teddy’s recent diagnosis I responded that I never like to hear of anyone being diagnosed with any horrible disease, etc. but I am one who believes that there is a type of “payback” if you will for something horrible you may have done previously in life. It has taken many years since Kennedy let Mary Jo Kopeckne drown and he got away with it, but I think the higher power has decided it may be time for Teddy’s payback. I respect the right for Mark Madden to express his opinion, I just don’t think he should have said it on a sports show. Sorry to offend you Kennedy worshippers.
Jackson - May 30, 2008 at 09:25 am
Why would you approve a comment that’s an anti-Kennedy rant and has nothing to do with radio-TV?
Vic - May 30, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Good question Vic. Of course, I wasn’t the one who approved it…
Eric - May 31, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Madden was a joke. All he knew was hockey and soccer, two sports most people in Pittsburgh don’t really care about. Not only did he hate the Steelers, he really didn’t understand football. As far as baseball, which he didn’t know, he always belittled the Pirates to try to make the Pens look better than they were. He was in love with LeWho and that’s all he cared about.
*Editor’s Note: Comment was edited for taste and fairness.
Gigs - June 01, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Vic:
I approved Jackson’s comment.
His comment has everything to do with the content of what Mark Madden said that got him fired, and it’s certainly relevant to this discussion.
Jason
Jason Togyer - PBRTV Contributor - June 02, 2008 at 11:53 am
Madden’s style is too typical of the testorone-driven hate-mongering that is often associated with syndicated (i.e., right-wing) radio.
I hope no one hires Madden to do radio. He’d have been much further ahead staying with the print media.
Rick - June 26, 2008 at 11:09 pm