Yahoo Movies Radio host Dan McNeil fired for 'degrading and humiliating' tweet about ESPN's Maria Taylor
Entercom, the parent company of 670 The Score in Chicago, has fired radio host Dan McNeil after he tweeted and deleted a sexist and misogynist tweet about ESPN reporter Maria Taylor.
McNeil tweeted about Taylor on Monday during Taylor’s debut as a sideline reporter on “Monday Night Football.” He suggested that her outfit, which included a fashionable and creative leather jacket top, made her look like she should be hosting an adult film awards show.
Awful Announcing captured the tweet before McNeil deleted it, which read “NFL sideline reporter or a host for the AVN annual awards presentation?”
Rachel Williamson, regional president for Entercom, released a statement to Deadspin about McNeil’s termination.
Dan McNeil is no longer an employee at The Score.
For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility how we choose to use our voices. Last night’s tweet, and its degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable.
We have the best teams in Chicago, and we must continue to 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.
Taylor claps back at McNeil, is showered with support
Taylor saw Awful Announcing’s coverage of McNeil’s tweet on Monday night and clapped back at him just after midnight. She’d just finished an important day in her career, but that didn’t stop her from calling out McNeil’s repellent sexism.
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. Hey ladies remember you can wear whatever you feel confident in! @670TheScore @DannyMac670 https://t.co/bN0H582isU
— Maria Taylor (@MariaTaylor) September 15, 2020
After skewering McNeil by pointing out how busy she is with her many hosting and reporting responsibilities at ESPN, Taylor wisely logged off Twitter for the night. Her tweet, however, started to gain steam and by Monday morning she was showered with support for her smart, ballsy and honest comeback.
100 % unacceptable! It’s time for men to stand up, respect and defend our women. 1st of all, put some respect on Maria Taylor’s name. 2nd of all, Maria Taylor is family... dude don’t want them problems... https://t.co/HaizcDrQc6
— Demario Davis #56 (@demario__davis) September 15, 2020
Exactly the reason why we’re focusing on building up black women this season. @MariaTaylor congratulations on such a big accomplishment! Keep leveling up 🙌🏾 https://t.co/qOEv7e72hk
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) September 15, 2020
Always ride with @MariaTaylor - I love you my sister. Keep being GREAT. These haters could never.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 15, 2020
Sending love to my girl @MariaTaylor. ❤️
— KelleyLCarter (@KelleyLCarter) September 15, 2020
Danny Dearest? 😂😂😂 #IfYouComeForTheQueen you know the rest
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) September 15, 2020
Women in our business face a level of scrutiny and ridicule most will never understand. We are constantly attacked for our appearance, hair, clothing and voices. It’s PAINFUL. For Black women in media, it goes even farther. And it HAS to stop. Standing with you, @MariaTaylor. https://t.co/BmcolKs6zr
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 15, 2020
Yep, @MariaTaylor belongs at the adult table — far ahead of the narcissistic and self-important sports hacks who childishly spew bombast to cover their lack of depth. She is a brilliant, indefatigable analyst who covers so many sports with excellence. We are so proud of you!❤️👊🏾
— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) September 15, 2020
Every single day, women who work in sports open up their Twitter feed with a sense of dread in the pit of their stomachs. And everyday, women, especially WOC, like @MariaTaylor prove WHY it’s important that we keep fighting and keep working.
https://t.co/xyrTGD9irQ— Taylor M. (@TayloredSiren) September 15, 2020
Classy, dignified response by Maria to a disrespectful, disgusting comment. https://t.co/dDY7vI2nLL
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) September 15, 2020
Last week folks brought Taylor Rooks into the Danuel House situation for no reason other than being a woman working in the bubble. Tonight Maria Taylor’s MNF outfit was the target of sexist remarks. When will the disrespect end? Let Black women in sports be great & leave us alone https://t.co/0u2phdDuoz
— Lina Washington (@LWashingtonTV) September 15, 2020
To note: @MariaTaylor is beyond professional and all class. To even acknowledge this bull💩 proves that. Damn shame she and so many other women have to deal with this. Salute to your Maria. Keep shining and reaching heights this buster and others like him will never achieve. https://t.co/FyYmIUG4aP
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) September 15, 2020
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