McNeil, who was working for 670 The Score in Chicago, wrote a message on Twitter directed toward ESPN’s Taylor. On Monday, in a since-deleted Tweet, the former radio host wrote “NFL sideline reporter or a host for the AVN annual awards presentation?” along with a photograph of Taylor reporting from that night’s Pittsburgh Steelers/New York Giants game.
AVN is an abbreviation for Adult Video News.
Deadspin Senior Writer Julie DiCaro captured the tweet.
Entercom, the parent company of 670 The Score in Chicago, announced that they fired McNeil after he tweeted and then deleted the sexist and misogynist tweet about Taylor.
Regional President Rachel Williamson announced the firing with an internal memo to staff.
“For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility in how we chose to use our voices. Last night’s tweet, and its degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable.
We have the best teams in Chicago, and we must hold ourselves to high expectations to continue to be leaders in our organization, our industry and our community. We apologize to all who were offended by Dan’s words, especially Maria.”
Taylor didn’t back down and offered McNeil a challenge.