Ex-Philadelphia Sports Host Mike Missanelli Arrested on Assault Charges
Mike Missanelli, a former sports radio host in Philadelphia, was arrested on charges of harassment and assault on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Lower Merion Township, where police responded to a 911 call just after midnight.
Incident Details
According to court documents, Missanelli, 70, engaged in a dispute with his fiancé. Upon police arrival, he described the altercation as a “scuffle” and claimed she had struck him in the chest. However, his fiancé contradicted this statement, alleging that Missanelli slapped her during their argument about their engagement.
Physical Evidence
Officers reported visible injuries on his fiancé, including:
- Fresh blood on her forehead
- A noticeable laceration
- Swelling in her ear
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Missanelli is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 22. This development adds to his already turbulent career in sports media.
Career Overview
Mike Missanelli began his journalism career as a writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer. He transitioned to radio, where he became a notable voice as a host at 610 WIP. In 2010, Missanelli joined ESPN’s 97.5 The Fanatic, remaining with the station until 2022. He often found himself in the midst of controversies during his radio tenure.
Post-Radio Ventures
In 2022, Missanelli launched The Mike Missanelli Podcast, associated with the Bet Rivers Network. He returned to 97.5 as a full-time host in August 2024 but left the station again a year later.
