Philly Radio: Abuse Charges Dropped Against Mike Missanelli

Mike Missanelli

Montgomery County PA prosecutors have withdrawn criminal charges against longtime Philadelphia sports personality Mike Missanelli, ending their investigation into an alleged domestic dispute with his fiancée.

Missanelli, 70, a former Inquirer sportswriter and 15-year host at 97.5 The Fanatic, was arrested in April on charges of simple assault and harassment. His fiancée accused him of slapping her across the face during an argument at their home in Lower Merion.

Prosecutors declined to proceed with the case during a preliminary hearing late last month. In a statement Wednesday, District Attorney Kevin Steele’s office said it reviewed additional information and determined the charges should be withdrawn.

“In every case, we are always continuing to investigate after charges are filed,” spokesperson Kate Delano said. Missanelli’s attorney, Brian McMonagle, declined to comment. Missanelli did not respond to a request for comment.

According to the police affidavit of probable cause, officers responded to a 911 hangup shortly after midnight. Missanelli told them the argument over their engagement turned into a “scuffle.” His fiancée struck him in the chest, and he slapped her on the left side of her face/head with an open hand, the affidavit stated. Officers observed fresh blood on the woman’s forehead from a laceration allegedly caused by the slap. Her name was redacted from court records.

Missanelli has a history of workplace incidents. He was fired from WIP in 2006 after punching a producer and from 6abc in 2017 after making misogynistic comments about ESPN broadcaster Beth Mowins.

In recent years, he was pushed out by 97.5 The Fanatic management in 2022, brought back in 2024, and ousted again last August. He is currently involved in a lawsuit against JAKIB Media and owner Joe Krause, alleging they failed to pay him $85,000.