Former St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin has broken his silence on his struggles with alcoholism, depression and mental health.
McLaughlin on Monday posted a note on his Facebook page, detailing what led up to him being arrested and charged with persistent offender driving under the influence – a felony – back in December. He opened his note by apologizing.
“My message must start with that,” McLaughlin wrote. “I realize that rings very hollow for some. I understand that. All I ask is that you read this with an open mind.”
McLaughlin, who ended up parting ways with Bally Sports Midwest after calling Cardinals games on TV for the last 25 years, wrote he felt like he was slipping. He said he knew he should have been back in Alcoholics Anonymous trying to get his life sorted out before it was too late. On December 4 of last year, Dan says he overdid it, taking prescription antidepressants and drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
“This was a recipe for disaster,” McLaughlin wrote. “I thought I was fine. I wasn’t. My life, as I knew it, was essentially over at 6:15 p.m. and less than three miles away from home on that Sunday evening. Again, my fault and my consequences.”
Dan said after being released from jail, he immediately checked into outpatient therapy to handle his depression and anxiety issues. He said it’s been difficult, but he’s on the road to recovery.
“I’m on the right path,” McLaughlin said. “It won’t happen overnight, but I know I am doing the work I need to do to heal.”
The Cardinals recently hired longtime Braves TV voice Chip Caray to replace McLaughlin. Dan said having a fall from grace like the one he’s experienced in a very open fashion has been challenging.
“I decided to write this because I don’t want that evening to be a waste,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be. Others don’t have to make the same mistakes as I did. I have to live with the consequences of my actions and to try to repair the damage I’ve done to both my professional and personal life. Beyond the justice system, that’s my sentence.”
