FOX Sports Knoxville radio host Cody McClure was assaulted while driving for Uber on Sunday night, according to local authorities. McClure says he picked up two passengers at a downtown restaurant and was slated to take them to an apartment complex. During the drive, one of the passengers grabbed McClure and demanded he stop the vehicle.
“As I was getting out, I was trying to grab my phone to take it with me and he asked me where my phone was at, and then he pointed a gun right at me and said he was going to ‘bust me up,’” McClure told Knoxville ABC affiliate WTAE, “so I handed over the phone and decided to just get away from there.”
Following the encounter, the victim drove away in a gold 2009 Honda Civic, according to the Knoxville Police Department. It was a precarious incident that shocked many in the sports radio world, and it has now led to a larger initiative intended to help McClure and simultaneously raise awareness.
While McClure is a radio host, he affirmed that 70% of his work is done with Uber and an important revenue stream to supplement his income. McClure’s co-host Jon Reed created a GoFundMe page to help support McClure since he is unable to drive while Uber handles insurance claims related to the crime. Following the incident, McClure has felt the support from his colleagues and the Knoxville community and is thankful for everyone’s generosity and well wishes during this difficult time.
“The fact that people I don’t even know – like, I don’t even know the names – and I see they’ve donated $100; $200,” McClure expressed. “It really restores faith in humanity, you know. There’s good people out there.”
The incident is currently under investigation by the Knoxville Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit. McClure told local news outlet WATE-TV that while the division is checking traffic cameras and the surrounding area, the investigation is active and early in the process. If anyone has information pertinent to the incident, they can reach the Knoxville Police Department by calling (865) 215-4010.
