SiriusXM, SportsMap Radio Drop Tony Bruno's Shows

Bruno

"THE TONY BRUNO SHOW WITH HARRY MAYES" has been dropped by SIRIUSXM DAN PATRICK RADIO and "INTO THE NIGHT WITH TONY BRUNO AND HARRY MAYES" has been dropped by SPORTSMAP RADIO after BRUNO got into a dispute with DEADSPIN over the website's characterization of comments he made about LEBRON JAMES and NBA players. On TUESDAY afternoon (9/8), BRUNO, the former ESPN RADIO, FOX SPORTS RADIO, SPORTING NEWS RADIO, and WIP and WPEN (97.5 THE FANATIC)/PHILADELPHIA host posted on FACEBOOK, "All I can do now is walk away from this amazing ride of a career."

CROSSING BROAD reports that BRUNO's comments about a meme alleging that JAMES poses with books but doesn't read them past the first page -- BRUNO said he "despise(s)" JAMES and most NBA players "can't even read, for God's sake. You wanna give me lessons on what matters and what’s important?" -- were picked up by the revived DEADSPIN and appeared in a story posted last WEDNESDAY (8/26) headlined “‘NBA Players Can’t Read,’ Idiot Proclaims on Radio.” BRUNO called the article a "hit piece" on that day's show, and the show failed to appear on SIRIUSXM on THURSDAY.

At BARRETT SPORTS MEDIA, Exec. Prod. ROBIN AUSTIN noted that the comments picked up by DEADSPIN were part of a longer commentary that began in the previous segment and, in context, the comments cited by DEADSPIN were not meant to be taken as the site portrayed them and the headline falsely indicated that "NBA Players Can't Read" is a direct quote. BRUNO is considering legal action against DEADSPIN.

And DEADSPIN reported that SPORTSMAP RADIO is replacing BRUNO's late-night show with "SPORTSMAP ALL NIGHT," a show hosted by BILL SCHMID. BRUNO's shows, produced with JAKIB MEDIA, also stream on TWITCH.

On TUESDAY afternoon, BRUNO posted a message on FACEBOOK saying, "Anyone who has known me or my work for nearly 50 years in media (40 in sports radio) know who and what I am. Being labelled a racist is the worst thing possible and there is nothing I can say or do to appease the jubilant mob. My career has always been about fairness, justice for all, and mostly having fun talking about sports on some of the biggest media platforms in AMERICA.

"All I can do now is walk away from this amazing ride of a career, thank all who know me as a person, and appreciate all of those who have listened, watched and helped me along the way. I will always treasure the people, colleagues and so many mentors and broadcasters who molded me into what I became in this business.

"I'm no victim here, but I certainly would never celebrate anyone who gets swallowed up into this cesspool of social media where reputations and careers go to die. All I know when I put my head on the pillow each night is I have always tried to be respectful, kind and treat all with class and dignity.
 
"It's up to you to judge me in your own minds, but being labelled a racist and trying to prove you're not is a futile venture.

"I will always speak my mind and truth to power.

"God Bless you all!"

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