Sequel to 2008's award-winning "The Hard Lie"
By Richie Whitt
DFWSportatorium
PART 1: DEAD MEN TALKING
PART II: THE BLOODY KNEE
PART III: HIGH ROAD TO HELL
PART IV: SH*T HITS THE FAN
PART V: DIFFERENT DIRECTION
Where's Greggo?
He's in Spittle's corner office with me on Feb. 27, offering not once, not twice, but three times to resign from 105.3 The Fan.
"I'm no good at this kind of radio," Williams says moments after admitting to his boss that he's recently lied about missing work. "I know I'm just a drain on my show. On everybody. I'm dragging everybody down. I should just quit. I should resign. I need to quit."
For reasons I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand, Spittle is having none of it.
"Whoa, Whoa! WHOA!!" the program director says, lurching from behind his desk. "That's a conversation for another day and another time. Right now I just want to concentrate on how we're going to move forward productively as a show."
RAGE was fired 47 days later.
In our final days when Williams went on the air with another chapter about his disease of addiction or precise number regarding his consecutive days of supposed sobriety, RAGE collectively hung its head in shame. We knew he drank beer at the Nikki Sixx concert in Dallas in early June 2011 and, when he thought I wasn't looking, picked up my Captain Morgan & Coke off the table and took a giant swig before our "Fanniversary" party last December in Irving.
I'd actually experienced increasingly mortal thoughts about our partnership as early as October 2012, and had casually mentioned my fears to Bruce.
By Richie Whitt
DFWSportatorium
PART II: THE BLOODY KNEE
PART III: HIGH ROAD TO HELL
PART IV: SH*T HITS THE FAN
PART V: DIFFERENT DIRECTION
He's in Spittle's corner office with me on Feb. 27, offering not once, not twice, but three times to resign from 105.3 The Fan.
"I'm no good at this kind of radio," Williams says moments after admitting to his boss that he's recently lied about missing work. "I know I'm just a drain on my show. On everybody. I'm dragging everybody down. I should just quit. I should resign. I need to quit."
For reasons I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand, Spittle is having none of it.
"Whoa, Whoa! WHOA!!" the program director says, lurching from behind his desk. "That's a conversation for another day and another time. Right now I just want to concentrate on how we're going to move forward productively as a show."
RAGE was fired 47 days later.
In our final days when Williams went on the air with another chapter about his disease of addiction or precise number regarding his consecutive days of supposed sobriety, RAGE collectively hung its head in shame. We knew he drank beer at the Nikki Sixx concert in Dallas in early June 2011 and, when he thought I wasn't looking, picked up my Captain Morgan & Coke off the table and took a giant swig before our "Fanniversary" party last December in Irving.
I'd actually experienced increasingly mortal thoughts about our partnership as early as October 2012, and had casually mentioned my fears to Bruce.
(continued from page 1)
But after the November surprise, I developed a tangibly queasy feeling about the long-term health of RAGE. Williams' heart obviously was no longer in the show, and more and more his body was AWOL as well. In my first attempt at an S.O.S. to CBS, on Dec. 5 I asked Bruce to dinner to voice my concerns over beer and seafood at Dodie's in Allen. The boss agreed that Williams' erratic behavior was ultimately going to sink the show, even to the point of drawing up termination papers for Greggo and mapping out a plan - including a list of my potential new partners - for not if, but rather when my co-host crashed, or at least lied himself into a corner from which he couldn't escape.
On vacation in Mexico over RAGE's Christmas break Bruce and I sipped Modelo on a Mayan Riviera beach, attempting to conjure a name for his planned new pairing: Richie Whitt and Mike Fisher, Noon-4.
With the way Williams calmly, coldly and consistently lied to RAGE, to CBS executives and to listeners, I told Bruce I thought the station was committing a grave disservice if my partner ever uttered another word on the air.
"As far as I'm concerned," Bruce echoed, clinking bottles in a toast, "RAGE has done its last show."
But a pothole appeared on the way to Bruce's appealing fork in my radio road. As 2013 dawned he was suddenly and aggressively pursued as the senior vice president of sports operations by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. He took the job.
So long, Plan B. Hello, Plan Spittle.
Much as I was gutted to see Bruce and his revamped road map unexpectedly depart, I was convinced Spittle was anything but a terminal audible. He was the one, after all, that took note of my 22 years writing for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Dallas Observer and hired me into radio when 105.3 FM flipped formats from Live to The Fan in December 2008.
"Can you be as polarizing of an asshole on the radio as you are in the newspaper?" he asked during my interview. "I think you can. And I think you can be a star in this business."
Though far from a star, I had gained significant traction at The Fan in the four years since Spittle departed via a demotion to a CBS AM station in Houston. I escalated from a part-time weekend gig with the likes of Mike Ogulnick and Pete Stein to a full-time position alongside Newy Scruggs middays and then into afternoon drive with Williams when Bruce arrived in 2010. I had consolidated enough relationships with advertisers that I advanced my income robustly into six figures, was allowed a strong influence in the hiring of employees such as Williams, Mark Elfenbein, Chris Arnold and Fisher, and had risen into one of the faces of The Fan. I was an ambassador, asked to both put out fires (via calls or visits to upset clients) or light a spark (via numerous marquee emcee duties and Cowboys pre-game shows). Oh and, for what it's worth, I was the guy management approached to pay for a tank of gas on our RV trip to the Super Bowl last January.
When Spittle returned we'd pick up where we left off and ...
But after the November surprise, I developed a tangibly queasy feeling about the long-term health of RAGE. Williams' heart obviously was no longer in the show, and more and more his body was AWOL as well. In my first attempt at an S.O.S. to CBS, on Dec. 5 I asked Bruce to dinner to voice my concerns over beer and seafood at Dodie's in Allen. The boss agreed that Williams' erratic behavior was ultimately going to sink the show, even to the point of drawing up termination papers for Greggo and mapping out a plan - including a list of my potential new partners - for not if, but rather when my co-host crashed, or at least lied himself into a corner from which he couldn't escape.
On vacation in Mexico over RAGE's Christmas break Bruce and I sipped Modelo on a Mayan Riviera beach, attempting to conjure a name for his planned new pairing: Richie Whitt and Mike Fisher, Noon-4.
With the way Williams calmly, coldly and consistently lied to RAGE, to CBS executives and to listeners, I told Bruce I thought the station was committing a grave disservice if my partner ever uttered another word on the air.
"As far as I'm concerned," Bruce echoed, clinking bottles in a toast, "RAGE has done its last show."
But a pothole appeared on the way to Bruce's appealing fork in my radio road. As 2013 dawned he was suddenly and aggressively pursued as the senior vice president of sports operations by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. He took the job.
So long, Plan B. Hello, Plan Spittle.
Much as I was gutted to see Bruce and his revamped road map unexpectedly depart, I was convinced Spittle was anything but a terminal audible. He was the one, after all, that took note of my 22 years writing for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Dallas Observer and hired me into radio when 105.3 FM flipped formats from Live to The Fan in December 2008.
"Can you be as polarizing of an asshole on the radio as you are in the newspaper?" he asked during my interview. "I think you can. And I think you can be a star in this business."
When Spittle returned we'd pick up where we left off and ...
(continued from page 2)
Nope. It was painfully clear from the jump things had changed, for the worse. Much, much worse.
When Spittle arrived Feb. 4 The Fan wasn't a sinking ship that needing rescuing. Ratings were slowly up-ticking and consistent revenue made us a profitable enterprise. To the staff, at least, it wasn't the new program director's job to ride in and fix all that was broken, but more so to maintain the steady improvement nurtured by Bruce.
It took exactly one RAGE meeting for Spittle to slap us into bleak reality.
"Look, we got a problem. You guys aren't big enough names to be talking about your personal lives as segments," he said to Williams and me. "Richie, we gotta work on your teases. Greggo, your list - whatever it's supposed to be - is gone. And I feel like there's too much estrogen on this station. You're gonna pull back on Sybil's involvement. Armen's going to talk only when one of you guys directly address him. And you guys play too much music. I want two guys passionately talking in a bar, making me want to jump in and join the conversation."
After the unadulterated undressing of everything we'd built in 2+ years, I asked Spittle if there was anything he actually liked about our show.
"Sure," he said, gazing at his shoes, perhaps a piece of lint on the floor, or mostly anything but us. "You guys are both interesting characters with deep local roots. You have sports credibility from being in this market so long. I think listeners respect you and want to hear what you have to say on the big sports stories."
Cue the confusion.
But the real chasm in my eroding relationship with Spittle - and ultimately with CBS - was the handling of Williams. Or non-handling. By way of neglect, if not complete avoidance.
Because before Papa G's, there was Bennigan's.
Nope. It was painfully clear from the jump things had changed, for the worse. Much, much worse.
When Spittle arrived Feb. 4 The Fan wasn't a sinking ship that needing rescuing. Ratings were slowly up-ticking and consistent revenue made us a profitable enterprise. To the staff, at least, it wasn't the new program director's job to ride in and fix all that was broken, but more so to maintain the steady improvement nurtured by Bruce.
"Look, we got a problem. You guys aren't big enough names to be talking about your personal lives as segments," he said to Williams and me. "Richie, we gotta work on your teases. Greggo, your list - whatever it's supposed to be - is gone. And I feel like there's too much estrogen on this station. You're gonna pull back on Sybil's involvement. Armen's going to talk only when one of you guys directly address him. And you guys play too much music. I want two guys passionately talking in a bar, making me want to jump in and join the conversation."
After the unadulterated undressing of everything we'd built in 2+ years, I asked Spittle if there was anything he actually liked about our show.
"Sure," he said, gazing at his shoes, perhaps a piece of lint on the floor, or mostly anything but us. "You guys are both interesting characters with deep local roots. You have sports credibility from being in this market so long. I think listeners respect you and want to hear what you have to say on the big sports stories."
Cue the confusion.
But the real chasm in my eroding relationship with Spittle - and ultimately with CBS - was the handling of Williams. Or non-handling. By way of neglect, if not complete avoidance.
Because before Papa G's, there was Bennigan's.
(continued from page 3)
On Feb. 6 Williams arrives at our remote broadcast at the reincarnated restaurant in Fort Worth with the tell-tale signs of another oh, crap, here we go again. Dry mouth. Darting eyes. Gravel voice. Rambling, rapid speech. And inconsistent actions like, for example, missing our first three returns from commercials because he's ambling about the place chatting up strangers. Because at this point Spittle is only on his third day on the job, I text Tim:
2:31: We gotta talk about Greggo. He's high as a kite today on that "cough syrup." Won't shut up. Talking in circles. My patience is about gone. Seriously.
At 3:17 I get a response from the assistant program director, who had been listening to the show in Spittle's office : Gavin is aware, we just had a long discussion.
Williams finishes the show. But appears in the same uneven state the following day. As I had done before and would do again, I casually ask my partner "You okay?" The ensuing frivolous dance was one of me labeling him an irresponsibly bad teammate, and him countering by defiantly, arrogantly disagreeing while reminding me he apparently invented radio at The Ticket and then ... politely back to our corners for a future waltz to be determined.
I continue the conversation with Tim from the day before with another text on Feb. 7, this time magnifying my concern about a problem that - despite apparently being noticed - is going wholly ignored.
... Honestly worried he's gonna OD one day.
At this point I'm genuinely worried about my friend. And sincerely pissed about what he's doing to our show.
But, wait, before Bennigan's there was Super Bowl 47.
On Feb. 6 Williams arrives at our remote broadcast at the reincarnated restaurant in Fort Worth with the tell-tale signs of another oh, crap, here we go again. Dry mouth. Darting eyes. Gravel voice. Rambling, rapid speech. And inconsistent actions like, for example, missing our first three returns from commercials because he's ambling about the place chatting up strangers. Because at this point Spittle is only on his third day on the job, I text Tim:
2:31: We gotta talk about Greggo. He's high as a kite today on that "cough syrup." Won't shut up. Talking in circles. My patience is about gone. Seriously.
At 3:17 I get a response from the assistant program director, who had been listening to the show in Spittle's office : Gavin is aware, we just had a long discussion.
I continue the conversation with Tim from the day before with another text on Feb. 7, this time magnifying my concern about a problem that - despite apparently being noticed - is going wholly ignored.
... Honestly worried he's gonna OD one day.
But, wait, before Bennigan's there was Super Bowl 47.
(continued from page 4)
En route to eventually missing 17 of our first 37 work days following Christmas vacation, Williams blames his remarkable 54-percent attendance mark on everything from pneumonia, to a fall on a treadmill, to his mother having a stroke and needing to again change addresses, to fainting five times in one day but somehow deeming the episodes unworthy of a trip to the hospital. After one four-day sabbatical in mid-January - sandwiched around a weekend - Rosenbaum produced what she said was a "doctor's note," only with the physician's name manually scratched out, replaced with a different signature and featuring a customized treatment of "Do not work for four days."
In the wake of that bizarre no-show and beginning to feel RAGE's credibility slipping under the brunt of my partner's sporadic actions, I ask for and am granted, on Jan. 25, a 10-minute audience with Brian.
With his office occupied, we retreat to an empty space on the 10th floor of the CBS building to address my partner's excessive absenteeism.
"Everyone realizes what's going on here," Brian comforts me. "And there's going to be a change made in his place. What or who or how I can't tell you, because Gavin isn't here yet. But I've spoken at length with Bruce and now with Gavin and we all realize there needs to be a change there."
And then, as reliable as a broken clock, comes another day of Williams missing work with, oh I forget, somethingorother.
En route to eventually missing 17 of our first 37 work days following Christmas vacation, Williams blames his remarkable 54-percent attendance mark on everything from pneumonia, to a fall on a treadmill, to his mother having a stroke and needing to again change addresses, to fainting five times in one day but somehow deeming the episodes unworthy of a trip to the hospital. After one four-day sabbatical in mid-January - sandwiched around a weekend - Rosenbaum produced what she said was a "doctor's note," only with the physician's name manually scratched out, replaced with a different signature and featuring a customized treatment of "Do not work for four days."
With his office occupied, we retreat to an empty space on the 10th floor of the CBS building to address my partner's excessive absenteeism.
"Everyone realizes what's going on here," Brian comforts me. "And there's going to be a change made in his place. What or who or how I can't tell you, because Gavin isn't here yet. But I've spoken at length with Bruce and now with Gavin and we all realize there needs to be a change there."
And then, as reliable as a broken clock, comes another day of Williams missing work with, oh I forget, somethingorother.
(continued from page 5)
The next week in New Orleans before the San Francisco 49ers-Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl, Williams' peculiar behavior persists. The morning after declining his co-workers' polite-yet-passionate pleas for him to accompany us for food and fellowship at the annual Super Bowl Media Party, he sends Roseunbaum a panicky Twitter Direct Message on Jan. 30:
6:11 a.m.: Hey..I'm in full panic mode ... I ended up taking Fridays meds ... just took the extra ambien from extra pouch ... I enough em begin for we'd, thur, and friday ... call everyone ... as your mom and her dr ... I also need some of the painkilling juice ...
Before that day's show via text I alert Tim - who at this point was the interim program director after Bruce and before Gavin - that Williams is uncharacteristically quiet and somber on the way to the NOLA Convention Center Media Center. Afterward, my partner instructs engineer/chauffeur Ted Nichols-Payne to drive him to the CVS Pharmacy on Prytania Street. Unloading our luggage from our SUV shortly thereafter, we clearly see the contents in the bag: A dark brown bottle of Hydrocodone-infused cough syrup, prescribed by a Dr. Wilcox.
Back in Dallas after a week of Williams being so incoherent that Fisher was subtly added as our show's daily fifth voice, Tim sends me a text: I apologize for yet more drama. Not supposed to be this way ...
Unfortunately, we were just getting started.
The next week in New Orleans before the San Francisco 49ers-Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl, Williams' peculiar behavior persists. The morning after declining his co-workers' polite-yet-passionate pleas for him to accompany us for food and fellowship at the annual Super Bowl Media Party, he sends Roseunbaum a panicky Twitter Direct Message on Jan. 30:
6:11 a.m.: Hey..I'm in full panic mode ... I ended up taking Fridays meds ... just took the extra ambien from extra pouch ... I enough em begin for we'd, thur, and friday ... call everyone ... as your mom and her dr ... I also need some of the painkilling juice ...
(continued from page 6)
During our show the following week, on Feb. 8, Williams swears on the air that he no longer takes Ambien to help him sleep nor any pain-killing drugs, prescribed or otherwise. He also proudly stakes his "sobriety number" at 1,760 consecutive days ... exactly three weeks after he publicly promised the number was 1,491. I'm not real good at math, but something doesn't add up.
To call him out on the air would be to voluntarily impale our show. To allow him to perpetrate such a charade on listeners who hang on his every word and hail him as the common man's hero feels criminal. Either way, our chemistry - our show - is about to unravel.
On the air and off, Williams begins angrily questioning why I've started angrily questioning him.
"Why would you challenge me like that?" he'd ask when I'd doubt his facts or ask him to provide a smidge of validation on a particularly bombastic statement. On Feb. 13 I openly defy his latest fairy tale - that a 5-star general he'd never met suddenly opened up to him privately and spilled national military and political secrets during Kyle's funeral outside of Austin.
"Why would you question me like that?" he shouts during a break just before our show concludes.
"Why do you feel the need to make up such ridiculous lies?" I violently volleyed back.
That night a handful of Fan hosts attend a pre-game party at my friend's condo in The Cirque across from American Airlines Center and then over to watch Dallas Mavericks-Sacramento Kings. Armen receives a text from Williams in the first quarter and dutifully alerts me to the looming storm: I won't be attending tonight...I'm sure you know why..a decision must be made..me or richie..I'm done with him..I will never ever work with him.
The next morning - Valentine's Day - I awake to a love letter.
During our show the following week, on Feb. 8, Williams swears on the air that he no longer takes Ambien to help him sleep nor any pain-killing drugs, prescribed or otherwise. He also proudly stakes his "sobriety number" at 1,760 consecutive days ... exactly three weeks after he publicly promised the number was 1,491. I'm not real good at math, but something doesn't add up.
To call him out on the air would be to voluntarily impale our show. To allow him to perpetrate such a charade on listeners who hang on his every word and hail him as the common man's hero feels criminal. Either way, our chemistry - our show - is about to unravel.
On the air and off, Williams begins angrily questioning why I've started angrily questioning him.
"Why would you challenge me like that?" he'd ask when I'd doubt his facts or ask him to provide a smidge of validation on a particularly bombastic statement. On Feb. 13 I openly defy his latest fairy tale - that a 5-star general he'd never met suddenly opened up to him privately and spilled national military and political secrets during Kyle's funeral outside of Austin.
"Why would you question me like that?" he shouts during a break just before our show concludes.
"Why do you feel the need to make up such ridiculous lies?" I violently volleyed back.
That night a handful of Fan hosts attend a pre-game party at my friend's condo in The Cirque across from American Airlines Center and then over to watch Dallas Mavericks-Sacramento Kings. Armen receives a text from Williams in the first quarter and dutifully alerts me to the looming storm: I won't be attending tonight...I'm sure you know why..a decision must be made..me or richie..I'm done with him..I will never ever work with him.
(continued from page 7)
Williams emails demanding that I begin respecting him on the air. He also sends management a bizarre separate email (one that he never expected me to be see) stating that he would win, by landslide, an in-station popularity contest against me - I'll take that bet and give him odds - and that CBS needs to find him a new partner. Immediately.
Knowing what I know - his text to Armen, his email to management, his on-going lies and his shaky future according to Brian - I'm not really in a flirtatious mood. So I respond to his demonstrative missive in a language he must've needed Rosetta Stone to interpret for him: Honesty.
I write that while I didn't trust or believe or respect him, I would attempt to work with him because, well, my contract mandates so. As I drive to the station prepared for a bitter show not befitting the romantic date, I get a call from Tim. Williams has - shocker - conveniently called in sick. Though given zero details, I'm warned not to address my partner's absence - not even alluding to the fact that he's not on the show.
I had no idea he wouldn't be back until Feb. 25.
In Spittle's office the following day, Feb. 15, he informs me that Williams "can't be trusted at this point" and is being yanked from RAGE's imminent trip to the Daytona 500. "Who would you like to work with? Today, tomorrow and in Daytona?" My answer is easy: "Fish."
Says Spittle, "You want to call him or do I need to?"
"Done," I say, picking up my phone.
Williams emails demanding that I begin respecting him on the air. He also sends management a bizarre separate email (one that he never expected me to be see) stating that he would win, by landslide, an in-station popularity contest against me - I'll take that bet and give him odds - and that CBS needs to find him a new partner. Immediately.
Knowing what I know - his text to Armen, his email to management, his on-going lies and his shaky future according to Brian - I'm not really in a flirtatious mood. So I respond to his demonstrative missive in a language he must've needed Rosetta Stone to interpret for him: Honesty.
I had no idea he wouldn't be back until Feb. 25.
In Spittle's office the following day, Feb. 15, he informs me that Williams "can't be trusted at this point" and is being yanked from RAGE's imminent trip to the Daytona 500. "Who would you like to work with? Today, tomorrow and in Daytona?" My answer is easy: "Fish."
Says Spittle, "You want to call him or do I need to?"
"Done," I say, picking up my phone.
(continued from page 8)
In the ensuing days we are besieged by texts, emails and phone calls from flabbergasted listeners inquiring as to Greggo's whereabouts. "Where's Greggo?!" becomes a tiresome, relentless theme of our listener feedback, prompting me to once again seek Brian's counsel. This time I send - during our show, no less - an all-out distress email. With any mention of you-know-who strictly taboo, I tell Brian that our show's reputation, credibility and listenership are suffering possible irreparable damage. I ask for another face-to-face to address the increasingly dire situation.
Before I can meet with Brian, Fisher and I head to Daytona the next day. CBS' cost of eating Williams' ticket and buying my fill-in partner a last-minute seat? $1,400.
Now there's your unvarnished truth.
While in Daytona there are social media rumors of a Williams return. But while he is - who knows where? - there are also, in Tweets and Direct Messages to listeners, a pile of gibberish faux communication that would lead one to believe the author has gone complete Mad Cow, is heavily medicated, or void of anything more than a remedial English foundation.
Feb. 21, 11:26 a.m., Lindsay Kimbrell (@LindsayK85) ... where the heck have you been?! Hope all is well, ready to hear ya again on radio!
Williams' response on Feb. 23, 8:46 a.m.: That sounds great ... though I'll,have to skip liquor...but..I'm a world champion iced tea drinker.
Now there's your unvarnished truth.
While in Daytona there are social media rumors of a Williams return. But while he is - who knows where? - there are also, in Tweets and Direct Messages to listeners, a pile of gibberish faux communication that would lead one to believe the author has gone complete Mad Cow, is heavily medicated, or void of anything more than a remedial English foundation.
Feb. 21, 11:26 a.m., Lindsay Kimbrell (@LindsayK85) ... where the heck have you been?! Hope all is well, ready to hear ya again on radio!
Williams' response on Feb. 23, 8:46 a.m.: That sounds great ... though I'll,have to skip liquor...but..I'm a world champion iced tea drinker.
(continued from page 9)
Williams' seven-show absence is completely covert. Not he nor Rosenbaum say or write one syllable of an explanation to RAGE. We are warned by Spittle not to take calls or return listeners' texts regarding the glaring void. Business as usual, though everyone realizes something is extremely unusual. It smells fishy. It feels wrong. It ... needs to end. One way or another.
But while Fisher takes his turn appealing to management's sensibilities via an email that details how his family is being harassed on Facebook and how he's being labeled a "backstabber" for merely warming Williams' empty seat, our return flight lands in Dallas on the morning of Feb. 25. You are now free to move about the cabin, and check your text from Spittle:
9 a.m.: Greg is back in today so I told Mike we won't need him for today. Thanks
Wait, what? Just like that? Greggo's back? With zero explanation of why he left or where he went? And without an admission, much less a resolution, of his "I'll never work with Richie again" proclamation?
Instead of heading home I immediately text Spittle and detour from D/FW Airport toward CBS.
Just landed. Coming straight to office. We need to talk about this.
While waiting for a response I'd never receive from Spittle, I go around his back, over his head and into Brian's office. Suitcases in hand and blood pressure out of hand, I vent for 20 minutes. I tell him how unfair it is that we can't address on the air my partner's absence. I tell him how ridiculous it is that Williams - unlike me, and most other hard-working Americans I know - can miss 17 of 37 days and still have a job waiting for him at his leisure. I tell him I'm worried about trying to maintain, much less improve, our show's decent ratings while being plagued by daily uncertainty.
Ultimately, I am soothed by my boss' boss.
Williams' seven-show absence is completely covert. Not he nor Rosenbaum say or write one syllable of an explanation to RAGE. We are warned by Spittle not to take calls or return listeners' texts regarding the glaring void. Business as usual, though everyone realizes something is extremely unusual. It smells fishy. It feels wrong. It ... needs to end. One way or another.
9 a.m.: Greg is back in today so I told Mike we won't need him for today. Thanks
Wait, what? Just like that? Greggo's back? With zero explanation of why he left or where he went? And without an admission, much less a resolution, of his "I'll never work with Richie again" proclamation?
Instead of heading home I immediately text Spittle and detour from D/FW Airport toward CBS.
Just landed. Coming straight to office. We need to talk about this.
Ultimately, I am soothed by my boss' boss.
(continued from page 10)
"Everyone inside and even outside this building acknowledges and appreciates what you're dealing with and how you're dealing with it," Purdy tells me on the couch in his office. "You've been a real pro about all this, but it needs to continue. I know this isn't easy, but your play here is the high road."
At this point Brian stretches his left hand toward the ceiling and drops his right near the floor.
"Look, you're up here," he says with equal parts drama and clarity, "and your partner is down here. These things ... they tend to work themselves out in 60 days. Give me 60 days. Give me the high road. And this too will work itself out. You'll be up here, and this down here ... will go away."
Though comforted by assurances from the strongest, most authoritative voice in the building, I'm also pensive about being on the air with Williams for the first time since our blow-up almost two weeks ago.
"This will be your toughest day in radio," Brian forecasts. "Take the high road."
The calendar in my head now vividly counting down from 60 and the warning signs distinctly pointing me toward the seeming safety of the High Road, on the air promptly at 2 p.m. I ask Williams only a pinch of the questions we'd all like, and deserve, answers to. As to his hideout, he hints at everything and provides nothing, stumbling on about depression and surgery side-effects and the mysterious tests.
As for the total lack of communication with his show teammates during his absence, Williams mumbles "Yeah, I probably could've done a better job on that."
To at least one interested, experienced leader with a keen ear, Williams' latest round of excuses fails to impress, much less convince.
Don't believe a word he is saying, Bruce says to me in a text. And I never will. He has ZERO credibility with me.
During Williams' re-entry show, I send Brian an email asking if my role sounded suitably "high-roadish." The next day he confirmed, "Well done yesterday. Thank you."
To this day I have no idea where Williams was or if anything was truly ailing him other than hurt feelings.
"Everyone inside and even outside this building acknowledges and appreciates what you're dealing with and how you're dealing with it," Purdy tells me on the couch in his office. "You've been a real pro about all this, but it needs to continue. I know this isn't easy, but your play here is the high road."
At this point Brian stretches his left hand toward the ceiling and drops his right near the floor.
"Look, you're up here," he says with equal parts drama and clarity, "and your partner is down here. These things ... they tend to work themselves out in 60 days. Give me 60 days. Give me the high road. And this too will work itself out. You'll be up here, and this down here ... will go away."
Though comforted by assurances from the strongest, most authoritative voice in the building, I'm also pensive about being on the air with Williams for the first time since our blow-up almost two weeks ago.
"This will be your toughest day in radio," Brian forecasts. "Take the high road."
The calendar in my head now vividly counting down from 60 and the warning signs distinctly pointing me toward the seeming safety of the High Road, on the air promptly at 2 p.m. I ask Williams only a pinch of the questions we'd all like, and deserve, answers to. As to his hideout, he hints at everything and provides nothing, stumbling on about depression and surgery side-effects and the mysterious tests.
As for the total lack of communication with his show teammates during his absence, Williams mumbles "Yeah, I probably could've done a better job on that."
To at least one interested, experienced leader with a keen ear, Williams' latest round of excuses fails to impress, much less convince.
Don't believe a word he is saying, Bruce says to me in a text. And I never will. He has ZERO credibility with me.
(continued from page 11)
After the show I stop in Spittle's office and Brian's blueprint is reinforced.
"I'm not saying it's going to be easy, Richie," he says. "I'm saying the high road is your best play. Your only play. Stick to that and this will work out for the best for you. Obviously this is not a perfect situation, but we're working on it. I can't tell you exactly what's going on behind the scenes, but I can tell you it'll get fixed."
Armed with a strategy and provided a finish line, I'm now more equipped and willing to absorb Williams' irrational antics. Like not knowing if he's going to show up for work. Or not knowing if he's going to show up sober. Or his constant crowing about being so cool and hip, despite his "last time to do something for the first time" being probably a good 10 years ago.
My inner monologue grew encouraged. Surely for 60 days I can mute my madness and survive. Help - albeit two long months down the High Road - is on the way.
Relatively invigorated, I even ask for a get-on-the-same-page meeting with Williams, Spittle, Tim and Brian, but am granted only an audience with Greggo and Spittle in the program director's office on Feb. 27. After this confab in which Williams admits to our boss about lying to miss work and then tearfully tells me he has in fact still been abusing prescription drugs, I text Spittle to thank him for at least providing a cleansing venue.
Feb. 28: Thanks for the meeting yesterday. Good to hear him fess up to some stuff. Hopefully it won't repeat now.
Responded Spittle, Hopefully.
After the show I stop in Spittle's office and Brian's blueprint is reinforced.
"I'm not saying it's going to be easy, Richie," he says. "I'm saying the high road is your best play. Your only play. Stick to that and this will work out for the best for you. Obviously this is not a perfect situation, but we're working on it. I can't tell you exactly what's going on behind the scenes, but I can tell you it'll get fixed."
Armed with a strategy and provided a finish line, I'm now more equipped and willing to absorb Williams' irrational antics. Like not knowing if he's going to show up for work. Or not knowing if he's going to show up sober. Or his constant crowing about being so cool and hip, despite his "last time to do something for the first time" being probably a good 10 years ago.
My inner monologue grew encouraged. Surely for 60 days I can mute my madness and survive. Help - albeit two long months down the High Road - is on the way.
Relatively invigorated, I even ask for a get-on-the-same-page meeting with Williams, Spittle, Tim and Brian, but am granted only an audience with Greggo and Spittle in the program director's office on Feb. 27. After this confab in which Williams admits to our boss about lying to miss work and then tearfully tells me he has in fact still been abusing prescription drugs, I text Spittle to thank him for at least providing a cleansing venue.
Feb. 28: Thanks for the meeting yesterday. Good to hear him fess up to some stuff. Hopefully it won't repeat now.
Responded Spittle, Hopefully.
(continued from page 12)
But as the days dragged slower than refrigerated honey, the gold-bricked High Road deteriorated into a perilous path of charred and cratered asphalt as skinny as it was scary.
On one occasion Williams dared to challenge my "integrity" on the air, while simultaneously lying to RAGE. During a commercial break he claimed he needed Armen to provide him an email file of an earlier segment, because a listener supposedly missed it and wanted to catch up. In reality, we all knew he was sending the file to a friend who was helping him put together a demo tape for prospective jobs he was secretly applying for. "I'm so outta here," Williams would routinely say to listeners via Direct Message or even our Fan Text. Deep breath ... High Road. Even though it was no secret that Spittle was a huge fan of office assistant Jake Springer and webmaster Jeff Burkett, Williams would lambast the two in meetings and in email, calling Burkett "totally clueless and not on our side" and once writing - in an email to Spittle - that Jake was in "way over his head."
Though I feared Spittle would ingest those criticisms as RAGE-endorsed and, not what they really were, solely Williams-spewed ... deep breath ... High Road. Williams also began multiple times a day hinting on the air that he would soon be fired. Deep breath ... High Road. And more than one time he begged me to trust him, trying to convince me to adopt his lethal strategy of "I'd much rather get fired doing "OUR" show ... rather than getting fired doing "GAVIN's" show."
My cunning scheme was, of course, "How 'bout let's not get fired at all?"
But as the days dragged slower than refrigerated honey, the gold-bricked High Road deteriorated into a perilous path of charred and cratered asphalt as skinny as it was scary.
On one occasion Williams dared to challenge my "integrity" on the air, while simultaneously lying to RAGE. During a commercial break he claimed he needed Armen to provide him an email file of an earlier segment, because a listener supposedly missed it and wanted to catch up. In reality, we all knew he was sending the file to a friend who was helping him put together a demo tape for prospective jobs he was secretly applying for. "I'm so outta here," Williams would routinely say to listeners via Direct Message or even our Fan Text. Deep breath ... High Road. Even though it was no secret that Spittle was a huge fan of office assistant Jake Springer and webmaster Jeff Burkett, Williams would lambast the two in meetings and in email, calling Burkett "totally clueless and not on our side" and once writing - in an email to Spittle - that Jake was in "way over his head."
(continued from page 13)
Navigating this treacherous high-wire was eroding my patience and resolve faster than another Tony Romo late-game meltdown. Propping up Williams and shepherding him away from FCC violations while trying to keep RAGE from devolving into something disjointed and unlistenable was making me anxious, agitated and angry. I was like the visitor to the insane asylum, convinced everyone in the joint was crazy but more and more suspicious that they were lucid and I was the one who was loony.
Though bound to the professional path constructed by Brian and Spittle, it dawned on me after management's curious indifference to Williams' Papa G's episode that this High Road might, in the end, railroad me straight into a ditch and out of a job. Was I being set up? Was this bumpy route actually a High Road to Hell?
For five months I had been waving red warning flags and shooting up emergency flares. Through documentation - emails and texts and messages and meetings and phone calls - I had alerted my supervisors as to my partner's detrimental behavior, misconduct and unprofessionalism. Time and again I got the nod of confirmation or a pat on the back. But more and more I felt like a lawyer who kept winning trials, only to have punishment for the defendant postponed until ... High Road. But when Fan morning show co-host and long-time CBS employee Jasmine Sadry was hastily fired on March 20, it became clear the entire station was under Spittle's acute and intense evaluation.
Navigating this treacherous high-wire was eroding my patience and resolve faster than another Tony Romo late-game meltdown. Propping up Williams and shepherding him away from FCC violations while trying to keep RAGE from devolving into something disjointed and unlistenable was making me anxious, agitated and angry. I was like the visitor to the insane asylum, convinced everyone in the joint was crazy but more and more suspicious that they were lucid and I was the one who was loony.
For five months I had been waving red warning flags and shooting up emergency flares. Through documentation - emails and texts and messages and meetings and phone calls - I had alerted my supervisors as to my partner's detrimental behavior, misconduct and unprofessionalism. Time and again I got the nod of confirmation or a pat on the back. But more and more I felt like a lawyer who kept winning trials, only to have punishment for the defendant postponed until ... High Road. But when Fan morning show co-host and long-time CBS employee Jasmine Sadry was hastily fired on March 20, it became clear the entire station was under Spittle's acute and intense evaluation.
(continued from page 14)
In one last pro-active move to get my complaints notated by everyone above me on the food chain, I call CBS Human Resources Director Jana Schunck on March 29.
"I don't want anybody fired," I tell her during a 12-minute call. "I just love CBS and my job and I want to protect myself. I want my complaints officially registered in my personnel file. I'm being told at every turn to take the high road. But my fear is that, when the time comes, I will be equally lumped in with a partner I'm being mandated to rise and stay above. I know you guys know what's going on here. You see his Direct Messages. Honestly, I feel like my future is better than our future together. Am I making sense?"
Schunck tells me emphatically, "I understand. You will be evaluated fairly and independently. You have my word."
Later that Friday I meet with Spittle in his office, to apologize for coming across combative and to re-calibrate the GPS on my job. He too makes a promise he will soon break.
"I want you to be a big part of this station moving forward," Spittle says. "I really like you on the air, though I think you're miscast. I think you'd be best as a No. 2 voice. Would you be open to that role?"
"Of course," I respond, genuinely agreeing with his assessment. "But any slot, any role. I just want to help The Fan win." The meeting ends amicably, sealed with a handshake.
I drove home that night knowing I had done everything in my power to strengthen my previously tenuous grip on saving the remaining 20 months of my three-year contract at 105.3 The Fan. But also leery that it might not be enough.
Radio can be a fickle bitch entangled within a slimy industry. My precarious perch had nothing to do with my individual performance and everything to do with my partner. Though we were rarely held to the same standard during our three-year run, suddenly I was an equal, indeed joined at Williams' degenerative hip.
I never made it to 60 days.
I was the baby, thrown out with Greggo's dirty bath water.
Continue reading part 4: Sh*t Hits The Fan
In one last pro-active move to get my complaints notated by everyone above me on the food chain, I call CBS Human Resources Director Jana Schunck on March 29.
"I don't want anybody fired," I tell her during a 12-minute call. "I just love CBS and my job and I want to protect myself. I want my complaints officially registered in my personnel file. I'm being told at every turn to take the high road. But my fear is that, when the time comes, I will be equally lumped in with a partner I'm being mandated to rise and stay above. I know you guys know what's going on here. You see his Direct Messages. Honestly, I feel like my future is better than our future together. Am I making sense?"
Schunck tells me emphatically, "I understand. You will be evaluated fairly and independently. You have my word."
Later that Friday I meet with Spittle in his office, to apologize for coming across combative and to re-calibrate the GPS on my job. He too makes a promise he will soon break.
"I want you to be a big part of this station moving forward," Spittle says. "I really like you on the air, though I think you're miscast. I think you'd be best as a No. 2 voice. Would you be open to that role?"
"Of course," I respond, genuinely agreeing with his assessment. "But any slot, any role. I just want to help The Fan win." The meeting ends amicably, sealed with a handshake.
Radio can be a fickle bitch entangled within a slimy industry. My precarious perch had nothing to do with my individual performance and everything to do with my partner. Though we were rarely held to the same standard during our three-year run, suddenly I was an equal, indeed joined at Williams' degenerative hip.
I never made it to 60 days.
I was the baby, thrown out with Greggo's dirty bath water.
Continue reading part 4: Sh*t Hits The Fan
Damn Richie..just damn..
ReplyDeleteExcellent article again. A must read every morning. Some thoughts...
ReplyDeleteGreggo's actions are inexcusable. Holy crap, are they inexcusable. Still, you say he offered to resign 3 times and Spittle said no. And yet it's all Greggo's fault you get canned and not CBS incompetence? Sounds like the CBS higher ups were full of crap to you, but the ratings did suck. Were the ratings really never a concern? Can't expect to stay on the air with 3rd place low numbers in afternoon drive-time.
Another morning, another great read. You're good at this Richie, keep it going. Looking forward to the final two installments.
Our ratings were horrible compared to Ticket, but not compared to our target competition which was ESPN.
DeleteLooking back, do you think they were stringing you along while they wait out B&S's old contract?
DeleteThe most interesting blog I have ever read, by far! Thank you RW, I cannot wait to read the next installment.
DeleteRichie is a back stabber and he sucks at radio. Plus he is an ass hole. Nothing new here. Karma is a bitch. Hope everything goes south for you from here out jerk.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you nailed it. I'M the villain in this saga. Geez.
DeleteDon't sweat it Whitt. The guy is clearly and idiot (or Greggo)
DeleteI was thinking after reading all these that guy is Greggo. Lmao Anonymous is Greggo
DeleteWOW! I knew Spittle was a lying turd the way the whole RM thing went down. My thinking is that they couldn't fire just Greggo. He obviously has/had a DR. in his pocket and could easily get notes, paperwork, etc... To back his claim. The Greggo sympathisers are blinded. I really find it funny do many people claim to 'not care' but are here daily... It's like Stern lmao. Also with this 3rd installment we now KNOW all those comment repllies are in fact Greggo. (They were begging for a 'vote' between you two.)
ReplyDeleteI was a HUGE Greggo fan. He was the reason I started listening to the fan. Looking back on the last year though, I realize how unprofessional he was. In other words, I don't see how anyone can back up Greggo considering the facts.
DeleteNow, my favorite show is definitely New School. The rest are fairly boring and just like everything else out there.
Let me be upfront in saying that I am a Ticket P1, and as such will always pick, when given a choice, The Ticket over The Fan. However, I have also grown to appreciate Richie's gift of writing and at least 50% of his opinions. While I may also agree that Sybil should have moved on when they became an item, I don't blame that on Richie or Sybil - that is a CBS decision. Richie, you do have talent, and as someone as objective as can be on this topic (one who prefers another station), I think it is obvious that if your documentation is real (and I am not saying it isn't), then it is obvious Greggo's behaviors were the cause of your downfall, and I am excited to read about the perspective.
ReplyDeleteThanks Todd, you nailed the entire point of this whole endeavor.
DeleteRichie, I'm just a listener and have no radio insight or knowledge. I like listening to Greggo, and don't care what goes on behind the scenes. Of course, he has to be there to listen to him, and he was gone a lot. You are OK on the radio, but you're a much better writer. It's like the NFL safety who wants to be a corner because they get paid more... They probably did evaluate you independently, and decided that you aren't that great at being on the air in radio for several hours each day. Keep writing, you're really good at it. And get an editor, that installment could be 3 or 4 pages shorter.
ReplyDeleteI disagree, I like the long posts. Keep the "director cut" posts lengthy, Richie! These are enthralling reads.
DeleteThat's the beauty of being my own boss, and editor. Thanks.
DeleteI realize that Greggo is a train wreck, but you were fired because of ratings. If RAGE didn't regularly come in third in Men 24-54, you would both still have a job.
ReplyDeleteNot "regularly", nope. Over our last 10 ratings periods Galloway beat us 5 times and we beat him 5 times. Ticket kills everyone, and we all expected that.
DeleteI do blame Greggo and would have loved to see the new Rage with Fish. Too damn bad that didn't happen. Instead CBS chose B&S? That makes no sense. Hell they couldn't get ratings at the Ticket.
DeleteI cant stand ben dover and fore skin
DeleteScrew the haters, Richie. Anyone who listened to the show ( and possesses a brain ) knows 100% of what you've written is true. I'll never forget the debacle when Williams returned from the Kyle memorial at Cowboys stadium and was making up all the stuff about the General and his repeated references to "They"... I kept texting the show and telling you guys to make him stop lying. I guess I wasn't the only one who thought so.
ReplyDeleteSpittle is a spineless worm of the highest order. There was a reason he was demoted to Houston, yet CBS brought him back to screw things up even more. This series of posts have been eye-opening into the psyche of Greg Williams, of which we were all fooled into thinking could change his ways.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteSounds like Greggo learned very little from the Ticket exit. I can't believe he lied about being sober and the Chris Kyle memorial stuff. He sounds like a sociopath or bipolar. It would at least explain the lying. He has said some very personal things on his blog that would be very weird to lie about, but after these revelations it's impossible to take anything he says without a huge grain of salt. Even though he has done plenty of things wrong, he sounds very vulnerable as the breaking down crying/admitting he has problems suggest. I hope he gets help and straightens out his life.
ReplyDeleteOf course he lied. That's what liars do, just like a thief will steal with money in their pocket.
DeleteOh yeah. Everyone that thinks Dick Twitt is Greggo. Keep telling yourself that Richie. Richie is a weak little man that whines like a little cry baby. Be a man for once in your life. You suck and you got fired. How about taking a little responsibility a hole.
ReplyDeleteNot really my style to get wrongfully fired and just "be a man." If it's yours, more power to you.
DeleteAhh richie. You are a poor excuse for a human. You are only out for yourself. With friends like you, who needs enemies. Screw you. Hopefully your girl wakes up before she marries a 50 year old, bitter little man. Grow a pair. Admit that you will never get a job in radio again.
DeleteI fell for Greggo's excuses when he came back from his "hiatus", smdh, until Fish called in pissed during the Fish Bowl calling Greggo out. You could hear it in his voice. I thought for sure it was going to be RAFE instead of RAGE soon after. Fish had noticeably more energy, was passionate about his topics, witty, and classy. Sucks that RAFE never got started. Also sucks that Fish's wife was brought in the social media crossfire.
ReplyDeleteJ. Rich
@1053RAGEaholic
Amen.
DeleteI actually forgot about Fish being mad like that. I remember thinking why is he being so hard on Greggo? Of course now we know there was alot more going on than us listeners knew. I feel bad for Fish and for you Richie. I wish the best for yall and Syb.
DeleteThis is getting to be a broken record. It's all Greggo's fault. It's all Greggo's fault. Over and over again. I have no doubt that Greggo is a train wreak and an OD waiting to happen and I am IN NO WAY attempting to defend his actions as there are no excuse for them. But this is Whitt's bitter way of making himself feel better. So Whitt is going to call very low ratings, low 2's at it's highest point but mostly mid to low 1's "decent" and "improving"? Really? With the Fan's broadcast reach these ratings falt suck. WAKE UP WHIT AND QUIT BITCHING LIKE A 6 YEAR GIRL. The ratings are why you and the whole show were canned.
ReplyDeleteActually, Richie is doing what a good journalist is trained to do: Tell the whole story with the facts, no matter how unpleasant they are. Unfortunately, some anon trolls have to hate on someone, which is what your doing...
DeleteLow 2's at its highest point is just incorrect information. I received several ratings bonuses based on us hitting 3s, 4s and once even 5s. Again, that's embarrassing compared to Ticket. But saying we never got above low 2's is just inaccurate.
DeleteWhen were you in the 4s and 5s? Back in 2011? Doesn't that indicate deteriorating, and not improving, ratings?
DeleteYes, what months and what demos? I'm looking at 3-7p for Men 25-54 for November through May and seeing a 2.5, 2.5, 2.7, 2,7, 2.7, 2.3 and 1.9. Translating to 17th, 19th, 14th, 14th, 14th 22nd and 22nd. In that span, ESPN is averaging from 6th to 11th, and Ticket at #1. I'd like to believe you, but like Ronnie Ray-gun, trust but verify...
Deletehttp://ratings.radio-online.com/cgi-bin/rol.exe/arb024
DeleteThe proof is in the numbers.
Wow, just wow. I can't wait to read the rest.
ReplyDeleteRichie, another good read. Actually on our way back to TX from vacation and making the wife drive while I read/comment, hehe. We all know that life isn't fair, and decent people get bad raps like this. Props to you for pulling back the curtain, creating buzz (pun intended) and picking yourself up by pulling sponsors and creating an income for yourself. That isn't easy to accomplish. As long as you write, I will read. We don't agree often, but I can still respect your view (or the reasons behind it).
ReplyDeleteThat's all I want out of this. To clear my good name. Thanks.
DeleteYeah, I didn't understand why others were bashing the website with advertisers? As a business owner, I appreciated the genius in it! RW has something we want (the Truth), has a modest following of both loyalists AND haters, and apparently still has advertisers who still have his back. If you want to read the truth, go ahead- it's free! His advertisers helped us read this fascinating story for FREE! I know if I was an advertiser with RW, I would need to absolutely trust him and his reputation. The fact that almost all of his advertisers stuck with him from RAGE silently speaks volumes to me. Kudos, Richie. I'll finda way to support you and your advertisers. It's the least I could do for all the countless free hours of entertainment the last few years. Never heard of you, or the Fan (or any DFW radio station for that matter) until your first month of RAGE. Good luck, sir.
DeleteJ. Rich
The Bay Area
WoW you are an amazing writer!!! Definitely have me hooked these last three days. Loved you and Newy & I really hate that I dont get to listen to you anymore.. you and newy were the ones that got me hooked on sport talk. Thanks for that! Now i get to keep my boyfriend updated with sports ;). Good luck to you cant wait to keep reading
ReplyDeleteHey whitt I am becoming a bigger fan with each post. As mad as you are now you will probably look back at this in a couple years and wish they would have fired you sooner. A crazy co-worker that never gets dealt with and bosses that stab you in the back is not the best work environment. You rolled in married the hot girl and left like a boss. On to better things.
ReplyDeleteRichie-
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff. You should stick to writing.
Can you clarify what was going on in the pics ya'll posted of Greggo passed out from the New Orleans trip, i.e. on the bus, in the room, etc.?
Cheers!
RAGE = red apples green eggs. or maybe roll a giant egg, or it could mean radio and gay escorts. or it could mean robots are great energy. anything is possible, yall!
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh very loud.
DeleteDUDE! I REALLY LOVE WAKING UP THIS WEEK!
ReplyDeleteYou need a woman...Or, a man...Or, maybe both...
DeleteAnother great read! I like a lot of people were really hoping for The Richie and Fish Extravaganza. I know a lot of people are Greggo followers and will be no matter what. I mean, like stated in the article, Greggo WAS DFW Sports talk radio for a long time. I grew up listening to The Hard Line, but c'mon people that Greg "The Hammer" Williams is long "Dead and Gone". I remember the first RAGE broadcast where Greggo vowed to overtake 1310 as sports king (which I think we all knew was impossible) but his fire gave me hope that he may actually be back. But he eventually proved to be the selfish, lying, POS he in reality is. If you listened to RAGE regularly you could tell something has been up for a while. Like I asked yesterday, how can you people back a guy who's attendance was 80% at best and was obviously trying to get fired?
ReplyDeleteGreat article Richie! People's opinions of you are already made up before they read this article and most likely won't change, but people have been asking for this story since that day in mid April when we tuned in to 105.3 at 2:00 pm and didn't hear at least your voice (we had grown accustomed to not hearing Greggo at that time).
"a lot of people" were hoping for a Richie and Fish show? That sounds as dubious as one of Greggo's tall tales.
DeleteI think quite a few people would have liked to hear a Richie and Fish midday show. 100 x's better than Elf and Slater. The FAN has the talent to be a great station. Richie and Fish have great chemistry and are both very reputable when it comes to DFW sports. So I really don't see what the problem with that would be.
Delete"...but people have been asking for this story since that day in mid April when we tuned in to 105.3 at 2:00 pm and didn't hear at least your voice (we had grown accustomed to not hearing Greggo at that time)."
DeleteHilarious~
I was all for RAFE, or FARE. Agreed about chemistry with RW and Fisher.
Delete"Condoms, bro. Condoms"
J. Rich
@1053RAGEaholic
Thank you Richie. RAGE fans wanted the truth... and that's exactly what you have given us. Regardless of what people may say, we are captivated by this retelling of the fall of RAGE. 6:00 am cannot get here fast enough.
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff Richie. Even though nothing was said on the air about any of this, I'm sure anyone with a clue -- or those wanting to have a clue -- knew what the hell was going on. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteRichie,
ReplyDeleteI busted your balls about ratings when you were first fired. After reading this all I can say is, I apologize. Thank you for sharing the inside story of Greggo's Gigantic Ego and Drug induced roller coaster ride, as a Ticket P1 and Greggo fan it has been fascinating. Perhaps you and Mike Rhyner should start a support group? It would be must listen radio if you could join the Hard Line for a few segments.
p.s. If everyone seems to hate you it's because we are jealous. Sybil, Hubba Hubba
God Speed and good luck Brutha
Dean Del Rio
ReplyDelete@dr_dean19
Really love reading these. Your an amazing writer bro, cooldos to you.
It's really shocking to Me reading this after reading greggo's reason on why &how ya were fired.
Can't wait to hear the rest
Greggos reasoning had too many holes in it though, along with many of his answers to people asking on Twitter. He stated he had no clue why RW never called him about the firings and said everybody deals with things a different way. Sounded fishy to me.
Delete@1053RAGEaholic
Hey: check out this acronym for Greggo's name I did with all Nintendo Game Names! thank me later! If you want me to do one for you just add your name to the comments! Richie, I can do yours as well!
ReplyDeleteGhostbusters
Remote control
Eliminator boat duel
Gyromite
George foreman's ko boxing
Othello
Wizards & warriors iii: kuros: visions of power
Ironsword: wizards & warriors ii
Legend of Zelda
Little league baseball: championship series
Indiana jones and the last crusade
Asterix
Mappy-land
Shatterhand
awesome post. My name is Dikembe Mutumbo.
DeleteThe Nintendo Names had me saying WTF kind of post is that??..........The "awesome post. My name is Dikembe Mutumbo." <----- has me in tears ha ha ha ha ha
DeleteC. Palmer
WOW Richie, I am enthralled in this story and I'm not much of a reader but I'm glad I get to see into the life of what was RAGE. Loved the show and couldn't stand Greggo. Love you and Sybil. I will be reading your blog fro now on. Thanks for posting and hope you and Sybil find your way back to the top in whatever y'all do! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteRichie, all of this histrionics doesn't change the fact that Bruce was right, you are not good as a lead broadcaster in radio. And the fact that you selected Greggo as your host, then selected Fisher as his replacement, are the best example of your complete lack of understanding of this medium.
ReplyDeleteFisher is terrible at radio, always has and always will be. A guy who can't appropriately pronounce the word "hundred" (or "hunnerd", as he likes to call it, whatever that is), has NO PLACE in a top 5 media market. Also love that Fisher has such great respect for his listeners (gun loving nuts with GEDs as he put i). You thought he'd be great. He's not. You thought Greggo would be great. He wasn't. You are trying to rewrite history. Your show didn't get ratings, so just live with it and move on.
Finally, it's interesting to me that you're trying to reclaim your "good name" with website advertisers like strip clubs and subprime mortgage predators. I think that tells us all we need to know.
It's a fascinating story, just wish you'd lay off on trying to spin this as you being the victim. The show wasn't great and didn't have enough listeners, regardless of how high/drunk/dispicable Greggo was.
Yeah, Fish seems to be kind of a jerk. Probably would be more comfortable in LA or NY.
DeleteGood stuff, your going to get me fired bc I keep reading these every morning.
ReplyDeleteIm enjoying reading this, but I cant help but think you're being a whiney kiss ass that's hoping to save your radio career by throwing Greggo under the bus.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine any credible radio person wanting to work with someone who would air their dirty laundry if things didn't work out. Skorched earth tactics rarely work out
Richie, my man! I can't say I have always liked you and we have butted heads on text and twitter over a few things. Matter of fact, I actually have always thought you were cocky and an ass. One thing I do know is that you aren't a liar and you are not a BS'er. I met Greggo at a TCU football game (season ticket holders) last year and hit him up on twitter because I wanted to shake his hand (for some odd reason) He told us where he was sitting and my wife, brother in law and myself went to meet him. It was uncomfortable and it was as though he could not stay still. When we left from there, my wife asked us if he was on drugs, we still talk about that odd encounter and just discussed it over the weekend while playing washers. Keep doing what you are, seems like you at least have proof of your story, not just blabbering bullshit to anyone that will listen.
ReplyDeleteJohnson County TX
wow this is better than Paul Harvey's 'the rest of the story'... I thought most of it was just "shtick",but anyone could tell something was amiss....good luck in the future....you are a talented person
ReplyDeleteI will leave the bashing of you, Greggo, and others to the other posters. I am curious as to what your intent is in publishing this manifesto. It seems the obvious reason, as you acknowledged, was to "clear your good name." However, other reasons exist and could include:
ReplyDelete1). Revenge. You seem to exclusively blame Williams for the fall of the radio show and the loss of a six figure income. As such, you cast him in the harshest light possible. Understandable perhaps if this is one of your motivations. And yet, if Williams alone was to blame for the downfall of the radio show, doesn't it make sense that upper management would have terminated Williams alone and substituted in a stronger co-host? Further, if Williams' problems were all alcohol and drug related
2). Attempting to re-establish a reputation and audience. It appears as if you are attempting to do this by attempting to place the blame for the demise of the show on Williams, on upper management and on other third parties. Certainly, Williams' addiction issues effected his ability to perform his job and yet, as you have seen from the comments, Williams has an audience. Further, to re-establish ones reputation, isn't integrity of the highest importance? As such, don't you think it is in your best interest to objectively look at yourself, the mistakes you made, acknowledge them in public and state how you have learned from them?
3). Publicity. With corporate advertisers on this site, you are undoubtedly getting a certain amount of revenue (albeit probably minimal) from clicks to this site.
4). Closure. A "tell all" tome may be necessary for you to close the door on this chapter of your life and move on. You have selected this forum to accomplish that.
In any event, the mistakes upper management made with regard to running the station appear to be legion. So too, the mistakes made by the on-air "talent" also were disconcerting. A bit more objectivity into whether you believe you had any part in the demise of the show would be interesting... and perhaps enlightening.
Steven
Williams also has a blog where he denounces any responsibility to the firing, and blames it all on management. I believe this is a response.
DeleteRichie,
ReplyDeleteWho is Stephanie Blumenthal and what role did she play in getting you fired if any? You lashed out at her on twitter one day and it appears she crossed you at some point.
Richie,
ReplyDeleteHow did you get direct messages between Greg and Jennifer?
Good Point. Don't forget PajamaGram
DeleteThis goes to prove that Radio is really a big show and that's what all listeners need to remember. I bought into the lies and was admittedly one those that was part of the "Where's Greggo" faction (not to the extent of going after Fisher). I was upset that CBS seemed to want to hide something when is quite clear that something wasn't right. I have to give props to you Richie for taking the "high road". I personally believe you did the right thing by attempting to address the issues behind scenes with the upper management. I truly enjoyed Rage and hate that these things were goin on. Something had to give and unfortunately it appears that CBS didn't just want take the trash out, they wanted to a whole new kitchen. Keep writing and the true fans will continue to follow.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed listening to you show mainly when you were partnered with Newy. Although I know nothing about the biz, from a fan perspective I feel the ratings were down because of lack of consistency. As a fan, one never knew who was going to be on the show from day to day. It became quite obvious in the end, that Greggo was full of BS. Richie you are not only a great writer, but also obviously a great improviser. Let us know when you get your next gig. In the meantime, I'll follow the sportatorium.
ReplyDeleteI, as a listener (at the time), was angered by not being provided information as to where the heck Greggo was. I also was one of those annoying "where's Greggo" individuals. As you shed the light on what really went down, I would like to apologize to you and Mike Fisher. I wish you and Sybil the best of luck and hope to find the two of you on the air again soon. I had a very difficult time trying to tune into the show after you were fired, but now with your writings, it would be impossible. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteBrian
Thanks for all the well wishes, Fertile, Heather & Brian! Hope to see ya 'round these parts more often.
ReplyDeleteSure thing! DI expect to be invited to yalls wedding...
DeleteBrian
Richie, thanks for sharing all of this with us. When the show was fired I felt like something was stolen from me. When I first moved here I found you and Greggo annoying on your noon show yet I always found myself tuning in. When yall made the move to the afternoon I felt yall were perfectly cast. Nobody else on The Fan and that annoyed me so I rarely listened to any other show then RAGE. Those idiots who replaced were obnoxious on ESPN and I have not and won't listen to them on The Fan. (how can you trust people who hang with CJ Wilson?) The Fan has lost me, I never tune in and won't. Sorry you had to deal with all of that shit. Miss the show and good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteAs a long-ago coworker of yours from the Shorthorn and Star-Telegram, I'm sorry to see your sports radio gig blow up. I listened to The Ticket avidly until leaving DFW in the '90s and hoped Greg Williams would get his life together.
ReplyDeleteThough you do a good job of documenting the trainwreck, I'm less interested in Greggo's faults than in your self-assessment of what you could have done differently.
When Greggo was allowed to miss 17 out of 37 work days without consequences, shouldn't you have known that station management was never going to dump him and go forward with you and a new partner? It seems like he had all the power in your partnership, where the bosses were concerned.
I reckon that the buzz you created with this series is already waning. It has for me anywho.
ReplyDeleteWatching you slap a loser like Williams just doesn't hold my interest for very long.
Post photos of Sybil and Susan Cloud kissing and maybe I will regularly look at your site.
Good luck. Your days at The Observer with Robert Wilonsky and Dave Fairies and others were the best as far as I'm concerned.
I'm a long time Ticket listener, but even when Greggo was on the The Ticket, he sucked. The only reason he was on the show was to be made fun of. He never contributed anything other than fodder for schtick and his sports knowledge was laughable.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have never listened to the Fan for anything other than game broadcasts, I am enthralled by this article. I can't wait for the next installment.
is it possible that Richie just went "undercover" as a radio host for three years to complete part 2 of this article about greggo?
ReplyDeletesybil could for sure be called "deep throat" in any event.
lets give it some thought.
I see what you did there and I like it!!
DeleteGiggle. I've always been a fan of the double entendre.
Deletewhen it comes to deep throat, I always feel left out
DeleteThis is amazing Richie! But I have a question. Where did you get the direct messages on twitter between Greggo and others?
ReplyDeleteYou tell Richit Whitt he wasn't that great. Do you like this gig?
ReplyDeleteSo your bosses were lying to you all along, and now you're using private communications between yourself and those people to violate the privacy of a third party? I'd hope like hell there aren't further communications between yourself and any of the parties at CBS that indicate breaches of privacy in violation of HIPAA. E-discovery turns up records people think were looong dead and gone.
ReplyDeleteLegal considerations notwithstanding, the side of the highway is strewn with the wreckage of careers that were hitched to the talented and troubled people of the world. You aren't the first, nor will you be the last to lose a job or some money because some troubled person succumbed to his demons. But your personal need for self-justification is the most childish tantrum I've ever seen an ostensibly "grown" man throw. Aren't you almost 50 years old? All this makes you look like a petulant teenager.
It's obvious that you lack any moral authority or conviction because you have to come running out to the schoolyard, dancing around holding up copies of private communications, all the while yelling, "See! See! I'm right! I'm justified!!" Outside of a courtroom, a man who's just and right can let his word stand on it's own. Tell your story if you feel you must, but do you have to savage other people along the way to make you feel better? It makes you look smaller than you really are, and that's a shame, because you had a real opportunity to gain in stature by the way you told this story and by the way you moved on from it. You're lucky you don't have my Dad to answer to. Even if I were 50, he'd come over and b-slap me for being a punk if I acted like you do.
If you ever wonder why people think you're a douchebag everywhere you go, just revisit this little episode in your life. If I were you, I'd start practicing the manly virtues today, and hope they take root in your life by the time you hit 60. Find a grizzled old Veteran and ask him how to do that. Old and douchey is just pathetic, and it's just a few years away for you. Kicking a man in public while he's down is the province of weaklings and unjustifiably prideful men. I feel sorry for Greggo, but nothing but contempt for you.
Unless Richie has gotten a medical degree since losing his radio show and become Greggo's doctor, HIPAA would not apply. It limits what health care providers can disclose, not angry former talk radio hosts.
DeleteBut...but...
DeleteGreggo? Is that you? Judging by the ability to form coherent thoughts and complete sentences, I'm guessing not.
DeleteTo the real author of this post, I don't know anything about Richie other than he's a writer. Writers write. Asking him to keep this quiet is like asking Taylor Swift to write songs about something other than breakups. Providing supporting documentation for his claims is just good journalism.
It's obvious that you have some sort of connection to Greggo. However, if you want to defend his honor, do it publicly instead of hiding behind an anonymous post on a blog. It's ironic that you call Richie a weakling and childish while hiding behind your own curtain of anonymity.
Rogers, I'm no expert on health care law, but I'm pretty sure any disclosure of private health information by employers to other employees could be actionable under one or more of the millions of federal and state regulations regarding medical privacy. Hell, common law invasion of privacy might be the ticket. Not inclined to research whether or not Texas recognizes it or has codified it. Still, under the circumstances, if I were Richie, I'd worry more about being a perpetual punk than about the law.
Delete"I'm no expert on health care law"
DeleteReally? I never would have guessed.
My issues continue to be Richie's access to direct messages between Greg and his girlfriend and private medical information, specifically the note from his doctor. Isn't that some violation of HIPPA?
DeleteElizabeth,
Deleterichie is now a journalist again and does not need to disclose his sources, and if you read his comments, he said they were handed to him on a silver platter plus sources
You guys serious about the hipaa stuff and direct messages and texts? If he's a journalist again, which he was for many years, he has sources. I guess I'm wondering why people are harping on things like that. If you thought your significant other was cheating on you, would you check their texts on their phone? Or if they left their email open?
DeleteDo you know your employer has the right to read every email, well basically anything and everything on your computer?
Anyways, I'm just guessing his sources gave him most of the information. It's kind of funny, people coming on here saying it's wrong to air out their dirty laundry are the same people that are here everyday.
@Im_a_recruiter
Anonymous (have some balls to use your name),
DeleteIf anyone is coming off like a douche it's you. For the actions of one man who was the one that sunk this ship to be thrown by the wayside while two innocents lose their jobs, which by all accounts afternoon drive time is most lucrative, is just simply crazy on your part. The facts are being presented. You have the ability to believe them or not believe them. There seem to be very little opinions throw into these accounts, merely facts. Let's try this on for size....whatever job you do, let's say your in sales and your customer service rep comes to work 1/2 the time in 40 days and you lose your job because of it you'd be livid. Let's also say you were making around $250k - $300k also. When you go out and look to get hired they are going to ask you, if you're making that kind of money that must mean you are pretty good at what you do. Richie and Sybil were pretty good at what they did and to get fired because of the other member of the show's continued antics are ludicrous. Walk a mile in another person's shoes and put yourself in their shoes for one second. Quite frankly, I'm surprised this has been as tame as it has been. Greggo is a selfish prick and a narcissist to boot. One of his first tweets was that Richie and Sybil didn't deserve this. You're damn right they didn't. He should have been shit canned long ago and if you want my honest opinion bringing Mike Bascik in would have done just fine...a helluva a lot better than a daily drugged out, washed up, lying excuse for a partner. So, Anonymous, who doesn't have the balls to put your name out there....put a sock in it!
Sincerey,
DeleteName that Dude Singing Like a Rolling Stone
^^ No Joke Richie, stand on your own word. Using these private messages just goes to show you have no honor whatsoever. I'm embarrassed you are in the Dallas media...
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how all these Greggo sympathizers are missing the point. Richie has PROOF that he lied and used drugs, yet Richie's somehow "dishonorable". Methinks your anger is a bit misdirected.
DeleteSo let's say he stood only on his words and didn't provide evidence, wouldn't everyone be asking for proof of these allegations?
DeleteUnreal stuff. I haven't tuned in while on the ride home since RAGE was taken off air. If not for being buddies with Choppy, I'd tune out 105.3 altogether.
ReplyDeleteI miss the hell out of RAGE.
I agree. Whitt sounds like a little biotch. Hey Whitt, did you ever think that your ratings tanked because you suck at radio? I don't know anybody that liked listning to you.
ReplyDeleteAlso this is what you get for being a company punk.
A word of advice, never ever trust a company.
As a comment said above, we had all grown accustomed to not hearing Greggo anymore. Each day I would tune in and think to myself, great! another Greggo no show. I think alot of listeners grew tired of this. I used to be a Greggo sympathizer, but not any longer. After reading this, I can see and believe that Greggo is an egotistical, self centered douche! I even tuned in to a couple of his podcasts and he comes off as unprepared and uninterested. I will stop feeling sorry for him, he built himself into the dynamic and profitable character he was, so he should be the one to fix himself. I'm so done with Greggo. Keep the gold coming Richie! Great stuff!
ReplyDeletePS, don't let these Greggo apologists get you down, you might not been their favorite, but you were a professional in ever sense.
So you got unjustly fired. Hasn't everyone?? Do you think your crying over this is going to get your job back with CBS or maybe gent you another radio gig?? I seriously doubt it. The only thing I can say about a possible Richie and Fish radio show is....................you have got to be joking? Really? You think those 2 guys can pull any ratings? I just want to tell you Richie that I've never seen a guy so humble, down to earth, will take the blame for others misgivings, best personality, and a man who is short in stature but has so much character than you. You should be looked up to as a great human being and philanthropist. God bless and stay hard brotha!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not doubting all of the claims here, Richie, but there are some things that I specifically know to be untrue. Specifically, Greg DID NOT attend the 2011 Motley Crue concert in Dallas, it just didn't happen. I can put my name on it.
ReplyDeleteThis Anonymous person has to be Jenn. A world class enabler.
ReplyDeleteI first started listening to the fan when I heard that Josh Lewin got a gig there. Their show was so-so but I quickly fell in love with RAGE and listened almost everyday for several years (Don't even have any other radio presets programmed).
ReplyDeleteI felt like a little kid who's dog died when I heard you guys got cancelled, it was a real shock to the system. Your "replacements" are bland and boring in my opinion... I hope you move on to bigger and better things Richie, you deserve it. After reading everything you wrote about Greggo I am honestly not all that surprised, I was getting really weird vibes from him for months and I guess my intuition was correct. Keep on keepin' on Sir!
I felt the same way, and the B&S show is really bad. It's like 8 white guys sitting around the table who all think and sound exactly alike slapping each other on the back for being so awesome.
DeleteBoring.
Hahaha that's a perfect description! I wish they would move The G-Bag nation to B&S's time slot. Unlike B&S they are some actual cool dudes slapping each other on the back for actually being awesome.
DeleteI agree chris, G-bag could do way better in that slot.
DeleteRichie-
ReplyDeleteThis is all a very compelling read and it is evident you are a very good writer. However, I'm not sure I understand the entire premise. At the end of the day, your partner let you down and as a result, your team failed. It almost sounds like you believe you were betrayed or fired in an unjust manner. I don't agree with that. You are a solid radio man, but you are the point man on the presentation. You get the show in and out of breaks, introduce topics and interject opinions where necessary. Every program needs one. However, its the color people that move the needle or endear the fans. Whether its TV or Radio. Every year, Inside the NBA wins Emmy awards, etc on TNT. You think it is because of Ernie Johnson? Heck no. But that is what you are to a program - the point guy. Its not an insult, it just is what it is. So if the guy you align yourself with as your teammate goes away, you've got to replace him with someone as endearing/compelling to fans or you are doomed. And your idea was Mike Fisher? I'm sorry, but thats not going to move the needle. Point is, if Dirk Nowitzki wanted to replace Greggo from 2-7 and work with you, you'd still have that job. But no one as compelling as a Greggo was available as a suitable replacement, so you had to go. It is what it is. Yes, it sucks. Firings are very rarely thought of you with reverance by both parties...this is no different.
Best of luck - it is very evident you will be just fine with the talents and drive you have.
I guess any bad mouthing of Richie Whitt is Greggo. Makes sense to me. Richie is the nicest guy, has a big heart, and would do anything to help a friend in need. Richie, you are the greatest of all time. You are the best person and radio host to ever walk this green earth. Keep up the humanitarian efforts. I know I've got your back and I'm sure you have mine. Greggo will attest to that. Thanks for being a great role model and...................BABY ARM brotha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWho do we know at Texas Monthly?
DeleteI'm so sad for all parties involved. I'm pretty disappointed in you, Richie. This is just so sad. Greggo made some horrible decisions for sure and needs A LOT of professional help. I can relate to the depression and anxiety (at a much lower level) so I can understand why he would lie to get out of work because he wasn't feeling it that day.
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard that you posted private communications in this blog I was horrified that you would do something like that and I had to see for myself. Appreciate the insight, but it's at the expense of not only Greggo but pretty much everyone! After the show got cancelled I cried (but my beloved K&C masterpiece made it all better).
I can't believe you would stoop to such a low level. I can understand you're bitter (and I would be as well) and I know that I would probably hoot and holler publicly but would never consider sharing private communications with the world. I've defended you every time haters would voice their negative opinions of you to me. Shoot, I trusted you with my (at the time) 4 year old son out of my sight at a remote broadcast.
I'm not the least bit surprised at the whole Greggo situation as I have been in contact with him through the whole thing as well. Obviously didn't have the info that you did for which I'm very thankful. I've had my share of Greggo drama but I deal with it the best I can for the best outcome instead of going public with it. Only one other person knows about it and I can trust him not to share it with the world and completely destroy what was left his career.
I resented the Fan when they dropped Jasmine, but now I can't stand them. This is a horrible way to operate a business. RAGE got screwed by the bosses, but this blog is screwing them right back.
really, Jasmine? blurgh. she was a bit too full of herself for my taste. I'm all about the Sybil love.
DeleteFIVE YEARS FROM NOW WHEN SYBIL CATCHES YOU IN A BIG LIE - NEVER FORGET...
ReplyDeleteCAPS ANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteHey Richie......I have one question for you............DO YOU LIKE YOUR GIG??????..........answer the question brotha.............GREGGO out
ReplyDeleteooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
ReplyDeleteRichie, I appreciate what you are doing here. It is important to share the truth. I have been one of those that tended to relate to Greg's point of view because of a somewhat similar background. I loved the dynamic you two had at least initially, polar opposites. It was great radio!! I know so many people that only listened to your show on The Fan and could not stand the other shows. You would be surprised. There was a huge RAGE following out here in Erath County. I hope that everyone that is following Greg these days reads these articles. I will all be interested in his response to you on his blog. Will you ever do radio again? You BOTH made the show good.
ReplyDeleteRichie. Could you help me out. I cant seem to find a good hair plugs place, a place to buy affliction shirts, and a place that sells pants for short guys. Any ideas on how I can rectify this conundrum I'm in. Thanks. Always thought you had the utmost integrity.
ReplyDelete............Answer the question damn it!!!!!!!!...................DO YOU LIKE YOUR GIG??????????.......GREGGO out.....again.....10-4 brotha.
ReplyDeleteWow, some of the anonymous people are just idiots. Hope Greggo enjoys feeling superior, at least until the truth comes out. Props to RW for good journalism.
ReplyDeleteOnce a lying junkie...always a lying junkie. Fuck you Greggo!
ReplyDeleteThis is better than anything on daytime TV.
ReplyDeleteOnce a midget always a midget.
ReplyDeleteMomma says I should wear a bonnet on Friday's podcast.
ReplyDeleteI think Richie might have one. He might also have some lipstick.
DeleteStill boggles my mind that Ben & Skin are on instead of RAGE - now that's a fucking joke!
ReplyDeleteGuhgreed.
DeleteSpittle is a weasel. He's got his head so far up Ben and Skins ass its a joke. And no doubt he sent a text to his former no talent down the mid day dial to boast of your termination. Hope you expose him for the weasel he is.
ReplyDeleteCamouflage boat!
ReplyDeleteI am loving these blogs. I didn't like Richie a whole lot but I respected his opinions. I am not from Dallas so I guess that's why I never understood the Greggo love. I remember texting the show 1 day saying how does a guy who doesnt even like sports enough to watch them live get a job in sports radio. I got a response text from the fan basically agreeing. I guess that was you huh Richie...lol
ReplyDeleteSo your not from dallas? And you've come to like and respect Richie instead of Greggo? Were you listening to the same radio show as the rest of us or is this Richie and his minnions posting for him. How can you respect this guy? He would backstab you in a minute bro. Get a clue.
ReplyDeleteRichie was never my favorite of the group, but I really feel bad for him. Worse for Sybil. And what has happened to Armen??
ReplyDeleteNo need to feel bad. Richie has been in this market writing 25+ yrs , Sybil is very talented and will land somwhere on the radio again and Armen is on the afternoons with Elf and Slater God help his soul
DeleteAnd Armen's role has been limited. And you can tell the part about what Richie said pertaining to Spittle is correct...Armen does not speak unless spoken to. Sad.
DeleteI hear Sybil might work the poles(no pun intended) at Baby Dolls in the very near future.
DeleteI find it laughable that anyone would call Richie a backstabber in this case. If you have ever had a job that makes more than minimum wage (much less a job that pays in the 6 figures), you understand that you must always CYA!!! Most companies have backstabbers and you must get all of the documentation that you can to protect yourself. Richie just happens to have a medium that he can express himself with a situation that most want to hear about (love him or hate him...you are reading this.) Backstab: To attack (someone) unfairly, especially in an underhand, deceitful manner. If Greggo was an upright citizen, going to work everyday and really pushing the show to be better, everyone got fired and then this came out, then yes that would be backstabbing.
ReplyDeleteGreggo was never there! He was basically insane (I sent numerous text to the show saying that.) Richie is guilty of taking a chance and losing. As for the show, someone already said better to build a whole new kitchen than take out the trash.
I lost a great job due to a political backstabbing, but still keep my mouth shut because the industry I work in is small. Richie has put himself out there for good or ill, and I respect him for that. Wish I could do that as well, but that would be career suicide. I would love to see a question and answer session with him after this week is over. I have questions, but want to wait to see the final product before asking.
And for the Greggo followers that blame Richie for this...it is the addict that is responsible. None of this would even be necessary if Greggo stayed sober. And he clearly hasn't been for a long time!
Perfectly worded. You put into text exactly what I have been thinking since Monday.
Delete"Backstab: To attack (someone) unfairly, especially in an underhand, deceitful manner. If Greggo was an upright citizen, going to work everyday and really pushing the show to be better, everyone got fired and then this came out, then yes that would be backstabbing."
DeleteWhat he said.
It is pretty easy to see what is going on here. Richie IS Greggo! think about it...ever since this blog launched Greggo hasnt tweeted a word, nor done a podcast. Also, when they were on the air, and Richie was broadcasting, Greggo wasnt there. Doesnt take much smarts to know that they are the same person.
ReplyDeletesometimes i think sybil is really hot...sometimes i think she might be mean to me if i ever dated her before she got married. sometimes i think she is mad at people who duke in their pants. either way she is super nice and reading this and laughing.
ReplyDeleteprove me wrong
Get it!? My name is like the other guy in Dallas but opposite!
ReplyDeletelololololololololololzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
^^^ may be the best post on here all day.
DeletePretty good blog, but is it also a CAFE!!!???
ReplyDeletehaha! looser, what are you gonna feed your diners (people that eat at blogs) if you if you aren't a gigantic CAFE!!!???
you didn't think of that when you decided to attack me...i mean Greggo.
Lesson of the day...
Delete* loser - what you are
* looser - what your sister is after I bang her
dont you mean what my sister WILL BE?
Deletehahaha! its so tense that you dont know what tense!
hahahah!
i win.
someone needs a jr. cheeseburger...
DeleteI can see what you are saying, but there is one glaring problem with that conclusion. The writing on GGB&C looks to have been done by a junior high student. Maybe it was Richie/Greggo having a junior high student write it to throw off the scent...hmmmmmm.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that we will not hear from Greggo again. If we do it will be some rambling BS trying to deflect the truth. The truth being that he is a liar. Apparently has been for quite some time and that has been the root of all the problems that we, the public, know about. Everything else can be helped and forgiven, but most people can only be lied to so many times before the want to help and forgive goes out the window.
Never was a fan of The Fan, but I'm glad the blog is back. Good luck.
............Answer the question............DO YOU LIKE YOUR GIG????????????????????
ReplyDeleteDon't you mean, DO YOU LIKE YOUR JOB?????????????
DeleteOr did you mean, DID YOU LIKE YOUR JOB????????
Deleteknotsee
DeleteGreggo was still better than Whitt even when he wasn't there. Richie is a legend in his own mind. He's never done anything in ready. Greggo has skins on the wall. You can't deny that. As far as everybody crying that Greggo is a liar, who fucking cares if he lied to get out of work. Who really cares. You all sound like a bunch of teenage girls who were lied to by their teenybopper boyfriend. Who cares. Sounds to me like Spittle never said Greggos absences were the reason for the firing. I think Whitt just figures that is the reason. He doesn't take into account he has no radio personality that would draw an audience. As crazy as Greggo was he could always draw people in. If Greggo was on drugs while on the air, who cares. Aren't we going for entertainment?? All of richies 2 followers need to get their panties out of a bunch and quit crying like little bitches. So greggo lied, nobody cares.
ReplyDeleteyou are anonymous so you probably duke in your pants and sybil will be mad.
Deletehey everyone! listen up! the guy that wrote the above post dukes his pants!
I completely agree - we liked Greggo ccuz he was FUCKING entertaining!!!
Delete@4:15
DeleteYou're right. Greggo was a legend in this market fifteen years ago. Now, he's just a washed-up old man who gets high and watches History Channel. Fascinating.
you didnt read the article, Richie was happy to be a number 2. And Greggo was only ever good for drops and should be kissing mike rhiners feet for bringing him in to the ticket.
DeleteThat theory has not been proven...
ReplyDeleteim just posting this to see what robot proof words i get to type.
ReplyDeleteits like a nice puzzle.
they were glue and himenem
but i had to edit so they prolly changed
Breaking:
ReplyDeleteAmanda Bynes is dating radio legend Greggo Hammer Williams.
They have been sharing a blonde wig for over a week.
*not really TMZ
Just so everyone knows. Greg Williams is the nicest person. Going live on air every day and facing critics is stressful for EVERYONE who does it, and it can make certain personality types super self critical, and super self hating. The sacrifice of this line of work is privacy, and not everyone can deal with it, but there isn't much of a way out once you are in. The resulting lying, false bravado, large ego and the like makes sense of someone who, weather they wanted to or not, got thrust into a dream job, the fast lane, and the public eye...then payed too much attention to the critics.
DeleteThe funny thing is that all these people talking about what an ass Richie is don't realize that is exactly what he is/was trying to accomplish! His job was to piss you off and get you to call, text, or write (good spelling or grammar not required) to blogs.
ReplyDeleteJob well done, Mr. Whitt.
I too was a huge Greggo fan, and to an extent still am. But we as listeners deserved the truth or at least an answer to "what the hapoened?". And now that we are getting it, some choose to throw barbs at Richie for giving it to us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting those that were truly RAGEAHOLICS know the truth. Whether we choose to believe you is up to each of us. Sadly, it all makes too much sense and I appreciate the truth, as much as I hate to hear it.
Greggo was entertaining but as a teammate, I don't think I could handle his flaking out and not showing up.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the explanation (so far).
What is Scruggs up to? Ya'll were together when I started listening.
Anyone else notice: No post by Greggo so far this week?
I agree, Nothing is more sad and upsetting than a teammate giving up on his team. Scruggs is on NBC 5 and has his own national sports show on NBC Radio and I hope Greggo went to go get help.
DeleteLies and deceitfulness can be just as hurting as straight up insults. Not only does it hurt, but it’s tiring, stressful, frustrating. You give that person other chances to change and you try to help. But that can only last so long. I understand why Richie is mad at Greggo for what he did. What people don’t understand is the Yes Richie got Greggo a job at the Fan, but originally it wasn’t with Richie. Greggo had his own show and Richie was with Newy. It wasn’t until after a little while that someone suggested that Richie be with Greggo, and due to Newy’s full schedule he would be by himself. That’s how RAGE began. As for Greggo I feel bad for him but perhaps this story if for the best and it’s a wakeup call for what he did to the people around him and his job for those final months. It’s time to go back and get some help. It’s obvious that he thought his firing was total BS but know he can see the other point of view. Sometime we are totaly oblivious to what we do, especially when someone is addicted to drugs.
ReplyDeleteLet's put aside that Greggo did drugs. You can't blame all of his actions on drug abuse.
ReplyDeleteOnce you look at that, and add up what all he's done, does he *really* look like a nice but tortured guy? A sweetheart with demons?
Fuck no. The dude's a mess as a human being.
" "Look, we got a problem. You guys aren't big enough names to be talking about your personal lives as segments," he said to Williams and me."
ReplyDeleteand B&S are it seems like all they do is talk about their lives and who they know
I actually enjoyed hearing about their personal lives on the show and how it felt like hanging out with buddies. I also think the dynamic chemistry between Greggo and Richie was great. Together they made interesting radio. The adage The whole is greater than the sum of its parts is very true here.
DeleteSpittle seems like a clueless doofus. We'll see if he's consistent with his ratings rationale for firing RAGE when Ben & Skin pull likely even crappier numbers.
DeleteRichie, loving the articles. Extremely interesting. I beleive every word. So why did you keep doing the Greggo pics of the day? That must have been very uncomfortable.
ReplyDeletePete Stein is my uncle and I know how they did him dirty .. so I know richies telling nothing but 100% the truth
ReplyDeleteRichie, I am thinking you should have kept your mouth shut about him being high, drinking and on drugs. I am betting that once you said that to management, it was in the open in their minds. If anything was going to be done to get his ass off the air, you had to go too. If they had fired Williams and not both of you, you can bet your ass he would have sued CBS for firing him because of his "Sickness" (which is more of an excuse than disease to me) so CBS had to shit can the both of you to avoid a lawsuit AND get his ass off the air!
ReplyDeleteholy shit, someone here just admitted Pete Stein was their uncle??
ReplyDeleteYea he's my uncle and what about it ?
ReplyDeletepete stein is one hell of a model american. for real, one of the nicest people you will ever come across, and talented too.
Deletestay hard pete
Hey Richie, RAGE was a show I liked to listen to when I wasn't at work. I appreciated what you did for local bands, my band Fantasma was on your local Thursdays a few times. There was something towards the end that let me know something was happening. I couldn't listen to you guys sometimes. You were both combative. I do think you are getting the worst of it because Greg is a guy that can make himself look like the everyman. I hope that you will let us know when you make it back on the air. It can not be the easiest thing to realize that your partner and friend lied to you and put your livelihood in jeopardy. I was very pissed when I found out you guys were off the air. I had just quit my job and wanted to come out to a remote event and introduce myself. I now only listen to New School when I wake up early enough and G-bag nation. Elf and Slater do not have good chemistry on air and Ben and Skin are just boring to me. I hope the best to you and Sybil and maybe you can come to a Fantasma show in Dallas at some point, I know you guys already have shirts!
ReplyDelete"Anyone else notice: No post by Greggo so far this week?"
ReplyDeleteYeah, a bunch of us have noticed. Did y'all catch that last podcast he started and then aborted the day part 1 of the series hit the web? It was very close to what Whitt describes in his articles: absolutely incoherent gibberish. One non-sequitur after another. Then, later in the day, that enabling girlfriend of his spit out a series of rant-tweets until she realized there was no explaining away those DM's between Williams and herself regarding the fake injury/illness. Then she shifted gears for a while claiming that her twitter account had been "hacked" (unlikely as that may be), without any further comment on the real issue: the content of those DM's. Now her twitter account is protected.
Given the foregoing response, such as it is, by Williams and the enabler, there can be little (if any) doubt that Whitt is laying down the gospel. He's presented an airtight case, imho.
Thanks for the article Richie. In my opinion The Fan has been badly mismanaged. You guys we're setup for failure from jump. With all do respect you were relatively a rookie to radio teamed with Greggo's past. You guys had a 5 hour time slot (WTH) and put up against the highest rated show in market that had a strangle hold on PM drive. Based on your article CBS never really respected the show. They were banking on listeners tuning in to listen in to the Greggo train wreck. That is why there was no action taken when you went management. They were hoping Greggo's relapses would draw listeners. Unfortunately you were the babysitter. With that said, they continue to make bad decisions by bringing in a show that has never seen ratings in Ben&Skin. What a joke. Those two have done nothing in the industry to warrent a weekend show, let alone PM drive. While there are hosts on the station that have real skin (pardon the pun) on the wall. I have lost all respect for the station and will not tune in again. I am a P1 that would tune in to hear CA from time to time, but I feel that him and Elf were completely disrespected by the B&S hiring. You are better then that station and I hope that you get a shot at one of the other locals.
ReplyDeleteI listened to Rage everyday so I could be kept up-to-date on sports (I'm a grandmaw lady and have to be in tune w/sports for my grandson's...they would be blown away that I knew sports...;)and of course the entertainment the Rage afford. I kept wondering why a ex-drug addict would take Ambien..it's a drug and then exploit it on the air. That would be something I would have kept to myself. Did Greggo really have a second lap band surgery?? He's lost so much weight he looks like a crack addict now..just saying..or is the weight loss due to the drugs? One thing I could do without was the pic of the day of Greggo......he gets uglier by the day. Now that I've bashed Greggo, I will say I did enjoy listening to him as well as the rest of the team and miss The Rage. I came by one day to meet The Rage team and both Sybil and Richie were so nice and shook my hand but Greggo looked as tho he was put out by the intrusion ...oh well.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Richie!!!!
Brenda
Getting rid of JT the Brick was strike one. Getting rid of Jasmine was strike two. Getting rid of Richie Whitt was strike three.
ReplyDeleteHey Richie. You said Greggo offered to quit when you all met with Spittle and he didn't accept it. I bet if you offered to quit he would have accepted that immediately.
ReplyDeleteTwo comments:
ReplyDeleteNumero Uno
Most of the time, if a person is hired on the endorsement of a second person and
winds up working with him (in this case, you are the second person), the second
person usually gets credit for and suffers the same fate as the guy he brought in
when that guy turns out to be a jackwagon and mucks things up...
ESPECIALLY in the radio biz.
Numero Two-o
If Casey Kasem was still doing AT40, we could ask him to do a not so long distance dedication of the following song, from Greggo to Richie. (GREAT drum intro!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd82HxYyHZg
(and NO, this is NOT a reference to Corby Davidson in any way.)
Richie, you knew what he was when you took him in.
Why were you surprised when you got bit???
(I know nothing... NOOOOOOTHING!)
Despite the known fact that Greggo was a nut job, you took the gig, because it was your only shot, The show didn't go away because Greggo was freak, if the rating were high enough they would have worked thru it, They took the show off because it sucked, and the ratings were on the way down, not up. The fact that you say "we knew we couldn't beat the Ticket" shows you had no clue. Who wants that guy hosting your drive time show? CBS did what every company does, played it out until they had a better plan, they were NEVER going to roll with you and Fish, Greggo was your only draw on the HeHaw show. Notice nobody snapped you up when you were fired? Because the show wasn't that good. Again, the fake screen shots of text really call in to question what is real and what is not, but your both off and that's for the best...
ReplyDeleteNeither Greggo nor his girlfriend are alleging that the screenshots are "fake."
ReplyDeleteJust sayin'....
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ReplyDeleteI live in Denver and have been following the soap opera of Greg Williams since he was with the ticket. In my business if you miss a couple of days without a legitimate excuse, you are fired. I don't understand the radio business but it's obvious that Greg is lost. Unless he gets help, he will always be a user. I have daughter that went to rehab and maybe, finally, she is going to be clean. Tough love is he only way to conquer this. I feel sorry for RW having to put up with that but it's just like every corporate business. The suits never back up good employees, fire them, then they wonder why someone goes into a business and kills everyone. I will keep reading because I am from Dallas and lived there when the ticket first started. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteDavid D.
I think it's awesomely hypocritcal you called out the Ticket guys for shunning Greggo and now you're torpedoing his life with private messages and communications...I'm pretty sure corby probably didn't give you clearance to use his direct messages
ReplyDelete"Look, we got a problem. You guys aren't big enough names to be talking about your personal lives as segments," he said to Williams and me. "Richie, we gotta work on your teases. Greggo, your list - whatever it's supposed to be - is gone. And I feel like there's too much estrogen on this station. You're gonna pull back on Sybil's involvement. Armen's going to talk only when one of you guys directly address him. And you guys play too much music. I want two guys passionately talking in a bar, making me want to jump in and join the conversation."
ReplyDeleteThis was a great and honest assessment of the show. And why I didn't listen. Spittle may be a jerk and/or idiot. But he was spot on, here.
You should know by now...never ever go to HR. They are always on the side of those above you and will pass along the conversation to them.
ReplyDeleteNever commented before, but also never ever read anything so freaking compelling, since your original article on The Great Lie. You are a pro for taking all of the crap these morons through at you, but no one can say you arent ONE HELL OF A WRITER!! Wow.
ReplyDeleteRadio can be a fickle bitch entangled within a slimy industry. My precarious perch had nothing to do with my individual performance and everything to do with my partner. Though we were rarely held to the same standard during our three-year run, suddenly I was an equal, indeed joined at Williams' degenerative hip.
ReplyDeleteI never made it to 60 days.
I was the baby, thrown out with Greggo's dirty bath water...........That about says it all about you RW. I know you, been on the radio with you. You're not that compelling, and not near as YOU think. Why do you think a drug idled has been was kept all that time if you were 1/2 the scary talent you think you are. You're not.
Also, no one and I mean no one likes a rat. I take that back internal affairs and HR does. This whole blog is rife with things that should never have been published in an effort to make you look good. It doesn't you egomaniac. It makes you look like a whiny B incapable of introspection as to ones own culpability in the show's position. Hammer is the hammer. He popular with the masses. So is Duck dynasty. You're not. Learn to live with it.