Lefty Radio Personality Arrested After Allegedly Assaulting Fiancé

Longtime sports radio personality Mike Missanelli was arrested early Wednesday by police in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, following a reported domestic dispute at his home in the Wynnewood section.

Missanelli, 70, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of simple assault and a summary offense of harassment. According to NBC Philadelphia, officers responded to the residence around 12:10 a.m. after receiving a 911 hang-up call.

A criminal complaint states that an argument between Missanelli and his fiancée escalated into a physical altercation. Missanelli told officers the two had a “scuffle” during a disagreement about their engagement and said she struck him in the chest. Police reported no visible injuries on him.

The fiancée told investigators that Missanelli struck her on the left side of her face and head. Officers reported observing a laceration with fresh blood and swelling near her ear, according to reports.

Missanelli was taken into custody at the scene and later released following a preliminary arraignment before Magisterial District Judge John I. McMahon Jr., with unsecured bail set at $10,000. A no-contact order was issued. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 22 before Magisterial District Judge Karen Eisner Zucker in Montgomery County, according to PhillyVoice.

The longtime host often combines left-wing political commentary with sports discussions. Throughout the Trump era, he became increasingly critical of the president and his supporters, both on social media and during his broadcasts.

He has referred to Trump as a “misogynistic pig who abuses women” and frequently uses the term “MAGA” in a derogatory manner in various social media posts. In one post from January 2024, he stated, “I’m an Independent who abhors a racist slime like Trump and am repulsed by supporters of his despicable ass. Because if you support Trump, you enable racism. G’nite.”

Missanelli is a longtime figure in Philadelphia sports media, known for a career spanning several decades across print, radio, and television.

He began as a sports journalist and columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer before transitioning to radio, where he worked at SportsRadio 94 WIP, hosting sports talk programs. His tenure there ended in 2006 following an on-air dispute with a producer.

In 2010, Missanelli joined 97.5 The Fanatic, where he became a prominent host in midday and afternoon time slots. His program frequently ranked among the top-rated shows in the Philadelphia market and was simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

He has also been a guest on national radio, including co-hosting with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN New York, and has contributed to various media platforms.

In response to the charges, Missanelli’s current media outlet, the Fideri News Network (parent company of the OnPattison podcast network), issued a statement through Chief of Staff and spokesperson Olivia DeMarco.

“The Fideri News Network, corporate parent of On Pattison, became aware of the charges against Mike Missanelli this afternoon through media reports. In light of the nature of the allegations, Mike will not be a part of the On Pattison Podcast during the legal process,” DeMarco said. “Fideri News understands the serious nature of these allegations and condemns all acts of domestic violence. We will continue to monitor the situation.”

Meanwhile, a former security contractor who claimed experience working alongside federal protective teams was arrested two weeks ago in connection with a fatal shooting in San Francisco, authorities said. The suspect previously posted photos with public officials, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Nation Wood, 25, was arrested Wednesday, one day after police say he shot and killed Samantha Emge, 22, at a residence in the city’s Sunset District, according to authorities. Officers responded to the home around 10:43 p.m. Tuesday and found Emge suffering from a gunshot wound, police said, The New York Post reported.

Emge was transported to a hospital where she later died, authorities said. Investigators collected evidence and took Wood into custody on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, according to police.