In a transfer shocking in its abruptness and timing, Howard Eskin introduced Friday he’s stepping away from SportsRadio 94WIP, marking the top of his 38-year tenure as Philadelphia’s resident provocateur on the airwaves.
Identified for his polarizing opinions, flashy fur coats, and an ego as large because the Eagles’ Tremendous Bowl desires, Eskin, 73, shared the information on social media. He didn’t provide a purpose for his abrupt departure, which was confirmed by mum or dad firm Audacy.
After 38 years I’m shifting on from Sportsradio WIP the place I launched the station’s sports activities speak franchise in 1986. I depart the station with nice affection for the listeners who’ve made the work I accomplish that fulfilling throughout my time there. I’m trying ahead to what comes subsequent… pic.twitter.com/ZF6Wl9gO8P
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 20, 2024
Eskin has been a fixture of Philadelphia sports activities speak since 1986, when he helped launch WIP’s sports activities format. And whereas some listeners cherished his no-holds-barred fashion, others discovered his condescending tone and penchant for dismissing callers a little bit. .. grating. For higher or worse, his status as Philly’s sports activities radio king was cemented, even when it got here with eye rolls in addition to applause.
In recent times, Eskin had moved out of the limelight, internet hosting a Saturday morning present and serving as a sideline reporter for Eagles broadcasts.
WIP afternoon host Spike Eskin, Howard’s son and a former WIP model supervisor, gave a heartfelt nod to his dad’s legacy on air.
“I didn’t assume there could be a world the place Howard Eskin was not on WIP,” the son stated. “With out him, to begin with, WIP is just not the place it’s right now. However particularly for me, I’d not be right here … I’m appreciative of him, I’m glad for the time he spent whereas he was right here, I’m glad for the information I picked up of what to do and what to not do through the years, and that’s about it.”
It has been a attempting yr for the senior Eskin, who disappeared from WIP’s air waves for weeks within the wake of a July 1 story from the Inquirer. The Inky reported that Eskin had been banned from Residents Financial institution Park for the remainder of the season after making an unwelcome advance and kissing an Aramark worker earlier than a Phillies sport on the ballpark’s CP Rankin Membership this Could.
He returned to the air on Saturday, July 27. “I apologized to her on the time of the incident and I apologize once more now. I’m actually sorry that this did happen,” Eskin instructed the WIP viewers.
The 76ers additionally banned Eskin from the workforce’s coaching facility in Camden, New Jersey, NBC10 reported.
The announcement, approaching a Friday afternoon was timed very like a sports activities workforce firing a supervisor or coach. Even so, followers took to social media to precise a variety of feelings.
Howard Eskin retiring? pic.twitter.com/LEk5v09tOZ
— Jawad Pullin (@JawadPullin) December 20, 2024
Hate him or not, Howard Eskin did the job proper, asking all of the exhausting questions when nobody else would and telling the reality even when it went in opposition to the favored opinion. He might be missed. Congrats on a legendary profession https://t.co/vwdlp6jtAe
— Jack (@Jack323_) December 20, 2024
Say what you need about Howard Eskin. Philadelphia sports activities speak radio is what it’s right now due to him.
A legend and icon within the business and pillar of Philadelphia sports activities broadcasting historical past.
Grew up listening to his present as a child when he was internet hosting drive time. Helped type… https://t.co/r1emmvXPNd
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) December 20, 2024
HOWARD ESKIN GONE FROM MY CITY 🚬🍾 pic.twitter.com/7ZL61vLQs3
— Philly Sports activities Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) December 20, 2024
Eskin rose to prominence at WIP within the Eighties along with his belligerent, outspoken fashion. He developed a love-hate relationship with callers, whom he labeled “dopes,” “morons” and, sarcastically, “geniuses” after they disagreed with him. He has additionally been a TV staple for many years, most notably on NBC10. Eskin’s abrasive, bombastic fashion rubbed many the mistaken means and he courted battle with athletes, most notably Allen Iverson.
Eskin stepped again from his full-time radio duties in 2011, however has remained a fixture in Philly’s sports activities scene, along with his 8-10 a.m. Saturday slot at WIP and sideline duties for Eagles radio broadcasts. He had remained a frequent questioner at large press conferences.
Whereas Eskin had maintained his silence relating to the allegations this summer season, different former Philly sports activities speak legends didn’t. WIP’s longtime morning host, Angelo Cataldi, took to his private weblog to handle what he referred to as “the Howard Eskin mess.”
“My contentious historical past with Howard goes again three many years, and I’m absolutely conscious of the glee the entire Eskin-haters are expressing within the aftermath of the report. (I’ve been inundated with emails and textual content messages.),” Cataldi wrote. “I can’t be part of that refrain. I do not know what actually occurred. It might be ridiculous for me to invest.”
Eskin has been concerned in non-sports-related controversy earlier than. In 1997, he despatched roses to a Pottstown lady. The roses despatched the girl’s husband right into a jealous rage and he killed her. Eskin stated the 2 weren’t romantically concerned and he had despatched the flowers to cheer her up. The husband pleaded responsible to 3rd diploma homicide in August 1997.