Barstool Sports personality Kirk Minihane announced he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from The Kirk Minihane Show, citing what he described as “a really tough last few months” and a need to step away from the daily demands of the program.
In a statement posted to X, Minihane told listeners he is “about as low as I can remember,” adding that while he does not know when he will return, he believes he will ultimately be OK. He also encouraged others to seek help when they need it, writing that “you’re not alone.” Minihane noted some critics may celebrate the news but said his message was not intended to draw sympathy, only to update his audience.
The hiatus marks at least the fourth time since 2018 that Minihane has paused his on-air work to address mental health issues. However, he did not specify whether he plans to enter treatment or what specifically prompted this break.
Minihane joined Barstool Sports in May 2019 after his split with WEEI. His battles with mental health have been well documented. In August 2018, while still at WEEI, Minihane checked himself into Winchester Hospital after experiencing suicidal thoughts. He was transferred to McLean Hospital for additional care and returned to work shortly after. Yet within weeks, he was again forced to take an indefinite leave.
The situation grew more complicated when WEEI declined to place him back on the air unless he agreed to certain restrictions. Including limits on criticizing the Boston Globe or the Red Sox. Minihane refused, later accepting a digital-only show on Radio.com before departing the company entirely in early 2019.
Since arriving at Barstool, the cycle has repeated. Minihane announced treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts in March 2020, followed by another hiatus that July. In November 2021, he stepped away again to deal with depression, suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and anxiety.
The Kirk Minihane Show recently surpassed 1,000 episodes. In addition, he signed an extension with the company in 2023 after previously planning to exit when he turned 50. Still, his work has always blended the performative with the personal. Minihane’s willingness to weaponize confrontation, expose his own struggles, and blur the line between persona and reality has fueled both his popularity and his volatility.
Now, that person—and that act—are on pause once again, with no timeline for a return.
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