Mike Missanelli, a former Philadelphia sports radio host, was arrested Wednesday on harassment and assault charges, according to NBCPhiladlephia.com.
The 70-year-old’s fiancé alleged to Lower Merion (Pa.) police that he open-handed slapped her during an argument about their engagement, and the criminal report cites one officer noticing blood on her forehead, a cut and a swollen ear.
He reportedly was charged with simple assault and harassment, and his hearing is set for April 22.
Missanelli, whose self-named show aired on 97.5 in Philadelphia until 2022, allegedly told police that he and his fiancé had a “scuffle” during their back-and-forth, per NBC Philadelphia.
According to the site, police noted in the report that they received a 911 call summoning them to a Lower Merion Township residence from an unspecified individual Wednesday and the person immediately hung up.
Missanelli established himself on the Philadelphia sports scene both as a writer and radio host, having spent time with the Philadelphia Inquirer and several radio shows.
He announced in May 2022 that he would be exiting 97.5 with his contract expiring, reportedly telling his listeners that he and the company opted to go in different directions.
The “Mike Missanelli Show” aired during the 2-6 p.m. ET time slot on 97.5, per NBC Philadelphia, and had been aired on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“I had some missteps but I hope the good outweighed the bad,” Missanelli said, per the outlet.
Missanelli got himself into some hot water in 2017 when he complained about ESPN using Beth Mowins as a play-by-play announcer for “Monday Night Football,” resulting in 6abc canning him from his “Sports Sunday” television appearances, as chronicled at the time by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“I don’t know why the sporting world needs a female play-by-play person on an NFL game,” he said.
He thought the punishment outweighed the crime.
“Now I have nobody to blame but myself,” Missanelli said. “Did I think it was a harsh result? Yeah, I do think it was a harsh result.”
