101 ESPN midday host Chris Duncan has announced that he’ll be taking a leave of absence from his radio show due to health reasons stemming from his longtime battle with cancer. The former baseball player who co-hosts ‘The Turn’ with Anthony Stalter has been with the radio station since 2011.
“This tumor keeps popping up so I’ve got to do something about it,” said Duncan during Tuesday’s program. “Sometimes I feel like I’m playing multiple positions with all the medical stuff going on and trying to do the radio, reading all these articles and trying to keep up with everything. It’s probably not fair to our listeners. So I need to step aside and focus on one thing instead of multiple things.”
Duncan was originally diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2012 and has fought thru it throughout his time at 101 ESPN. ‘The Turn’ has been a dominant ratings performer in its timeslot and was recognized as the 9th best mid-market midday program by BSM earlier this year.
“It’s tough for me, but you guys have been great the whole time I’ve gone through this for the last five years,” added Duncan. “There have been ups and downs. It’s been crazy. Hopefully, I can step aside and take care of this and I won’t be out too long.”
To hear Chris’ announcement on the show click here.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
Rooting for Chris to make it. As for his station, whatever they do, DON’T BRING IN THAT A**HOLE SLATEN!!! He’s recently been off the air. Keep it that way !!