Howard Eskin, the longtime sports radio host for WIP, is at the center of allegations involving an incident with a female employee of Audacy, the parent company of the Philadelphia station. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Eskin allegedly “forcibly grabbed” the woman during an argument that escalated into a physical altercation on December 9 at Chickie’s & Pete’s, a popular South Philadelphia restaurant, following a remote broadcast.
The altercation reportedly began when the employee interrupted a conversation between Eskin and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham. According to the Inquirer, Eskin responded by yelling at the employee before following her and grabbing her near the shoulder or arm.
The incident was allegedly witnessed by other patrons and staff at the restaurant, creating a scene, though Graham, who was part of the initial conversation, reportedly did not witness the altercation. Graham, a 15-year veteran of the Eagles, is set to retire after the 2024 season.
The fallout from the December 9 incident was swift, with Eskin departing WIP less than two weeks later. While Audacy’s public statement described the separation as a mutual decision following Eskin’s “years of contributions to WIP,” the timing raised questions. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Audacy declined to address the allegations. Eskin has not publicly commented on the matter either.
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This incident is not the first controversy involving Eskin in recent months. In May 2024, he was banned from Citizens Bank Park for the remainder of the Phillies’ season after attempting to kiss a female employee of Aramark, a food and facility services company, without her consent. At the time, Eskin publicly apologized, saying on air, “I’m truly sorry that this did occur.”
Eskin’s career at WIP spanned nearly four decades. He was a pivotal figure in launching the station’s first sports talk show in 1986 and served as a sideline reporter for Eagles games. His contributions to Philadelphia sports media earned him recognition and influence, but his recent controversies have cast a shadow over his legacy.
Following Eskin’s departure, Devan Kaney has been filling the sideline reporter role for WIP’s Eagles coverage.
In a farewell message last month, Eskin expressed gratitude to WIP listeners, writing, “I leave the station with great affection for the listeners who have made the work I do so fulfilling during my time there.”
However, the abrupt nature of his exit, coupled with the allegations surrounding the December incident, has left many questioning the circumstances behind his departure.
