Jon “Stugotz” Weiner’s name is coming off The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz as of Monday. Le Batard made the announcement himself, calling the change long overdue.
What We Know: Weiner departed The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz after more than two decades alongside Le Batard. His absence has stretched nearly a year, with little public explanation during that time. Le Batard acknowledged the delay was intentional, driven by his own efforts to reverse course. Now, however, the show’s name will officially change when the program returns Monday. The announcement follows Weiner stating nearly a month ago that the two would plan to get together to work something out regarding their standing together.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz)
Dan Le Batard announces the removal of Stugotz name from the program: “This is many months overdue, but I am here to announce, unfortunately, that Stugotz’ [Jon Weiner] name is going to have to come off the show. We’re going to remain a loud, vibrant, colorful thing. But our imaging has gone stale and no longer reflects the show in its current form. So, it’ll be different when we return to work on Monday. With the knowledge that wherever there’s pain, there’s always an invitation to grow.”
Dan Le Batard says he tried any way to prevent removing Stugotz name from the program: “The delay in removing his name and the silence surrounding it has been because I’ve been desperately trying to find all the ways to prevent and avoid it. It’s a costume I’ve been wearing for almost a year now, quietly. It is even itchy or more uncomfortable than the New York Knicks ones I’ve been wearing lately. Feels about as clownish too.”
Dan Le Batard promises to try and continue working towards Stugotz returning: “This is not the correct way to say goodbye after more than two decades with him. He and I will continue to try to figure out a reunion. I remain hopeful he’ll continue to be a part of what we’re doing eventually and know he’ll always be welcome. But I got to admit now we are not what we once were. Pretending otherwise is not loyalty, it’s denial.”
Dan Le Batard on listeners uncomfortable with change: “For those of you who want this show to feel as it always has, familiar and comfortable as your favorite chair, I get it. I understand. But I’m afraid this is where our drift begins. The single surest way I believe to destroy anything or anyone you care about is to stop building with them. Everything from learning to love can die without a commitment to growth. Change is uncomfortable.”
What Remains Unclear: No new show title has been officially announced yet. Additionally, the specific circumstances surrounding Weiner’s original departure remain publicly unaddressed. LeBatard, however, left the door open. “He and I will continue to try to figure out a reunion,” he said.
What It Means: The decision to remove Weiner’s name from the program is much later than it should have happened. Le Batard acknowledged that during his explanation, but is this a sign that the two men agreed to the move? This is a significant identity shift for one of sports media’s most recognizable brands. LeBatard built a loyal, passionate audience partly around the LeBatard-Stugotz dynamic. Nevertheless, LeBatard framed Monday’s change as necessary growth, not surrender. “Wherever there’s pain,” he said, “there’s always an invitation to grow.” We will see if Weiner responds to the move on his FOX Sports Radio program later today.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
