Sports radio hosts across the country have a variety of unique relationships with their most dedicated listeners. Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, Colin Dunlap realized that he had the opportunity and resources to help change one of those listeners’ lives.
Loyal caller “Matt in Florida” joined 93.7 The Fan to chime in on former West Virginia basketball coach. During the course of their conversation, Matt admitted that he is a functioning alcoholic.
“After work, I have some beers and, you know, this and the other and just kind of chill out,” he said. “I would never think about putting anybody else in harm. And if I know, ‘okay, I had a couple of beers.’ I’m not getting behind the wheel. I’m not putting anybody at risk. I will call an Uber.”
Matt admitted that his life is at a tipping point. His wife has threatened to leave him if he does not seek help. That is when Dunlap saw the chance to intervene.
He asked Matt what he was willing to do about the situation. Matt answered that he has tried to get help and he is currently trying to stay sober, but it isn’t easy.
“What if I told you if I put you on hold and you gave our producer your number that I would help you in Florida get somebody? What if I told you that?” Dunlap asked.
Matt said it would be something he would appreciate tremendously, especially if he knew listeners in Pittsburgh were encouraging him and supporting him.
Dunlap promised to call Matt when his show was over and get the process started.
“We’re going to make it work, and it doesn’t need to be public. We don’t need to tell everybody what the outcome of all of this is. Matt, I’m going to put you on hold in a minute, but you need to promise that I’m not going to do this in vein and then you’re not going to follow up.”
On Thursday afternoon, Dunlap shared an update on X.
