Cleveland Radio: WKNR's Tony Rizzo Pleads No Contest

WKNR 850 AM ESPN sports host Tony Rizzo pleaded no contest Thursday to a reduced charge after being accused of domestic violence in December, according to cleveland.com.

Tony Rizzo

Rizzo, 52, host of The Really Bifg Show pleaded no contest to persistent disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, at Medina Municipal Court. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine, Judge Dale Chase said.

Rizzo had been accused of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor, in connection with a Dec. 6 incident that occurred at his home.

Rizzo's case has been referred to the probation department for review before a sentencing hearing is set, Chase said.

Rizzo had been scheduled to appear in court for a jury trial Thursday, but the defense and prosecution reached an agreement on the reduced charge prior to the trial.

Matt Lanier, an assistant law director for the city of Medina, said part of the reason the prosecution chose to pursue a plea deal was because Rizzo's wife, Catherine Rizzo, submitted an affidavit saying she'd initiated the Dec. 6 incident by hitting her husband with a glass.

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