Atlanta Radio Host Suspended After Mocking Steve Gleason’s ALS

Update

The Atlanta Radio hosts Nick Cellini, Steak Shapiro, and Chris Dimino who conducted the show Mayhem in the AM on WQXI-AM, 790 The Zone with Steve Gleason this morning have been fired, according to The Greater New Orleans Times. This is due to the poor judgement shown in poking fun at Gleason who suffers from ALS. Initially, the threesome were suspended indefinitely.

Initial Report

Steve Gleason is an ex-NFL player who has become and inspiration for those in similar circumstances. Gleason suffers from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which prevents the brain from communicating with the muscles and is a terminal disease.

When Gleason was invited to take part in a show called Mayhem in the AM on Atlanta’s 790 “The Zone” on Monday, the last thing he probably expected was to get picked on by the host Nick Cellini and others.

The tasteless jokes they attempted at the expense of the disabled man included a fake question-and-answer segment with Gleason, using a robotic voice to make up imaginary answers from the former player. Word quickly spread online, with many fans and media members on Twitter blasting both Cellini and the station.

Now management at 790 has been forced to make a public apology condemning the radio host actions:

“We deeply regret the comments made by Mayhem In The AM this morning on 790 The Zone regarding former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason. 790 The Zone, Lincoln Financial Media, our sponsors and partners in no way endorse or support the unfortunate and offensive commentary concerning Mr. Gleason this morning. The members of the show involved with this incident have been suspended indefinitely pending further management review of their actions.” signed by Rick Mack 790 The Zone Sr. VP & General Manager.

Host Nick Cellini took to Twitter to apologize for the insensitive treatment of Gleason stating, “My apologies to everyone. It was a stupid attempt at humor that backfired. Emphasis on stupid.”

The latest on this incident is that the radio station has suspended Cellini and others involved.

Steve Gleason is a former defensive back for the New Orleans Saints. He has written a moving edition of Monday Morning Quarterback on Sports Illustrated. Gleason has used the Internet and social media to rally support for ALS research while battling the incurable condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Do you think the Atlanta radio host should apologize in person to Steve Gleason?

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