Grand Rapids Radio: On-Air Rant Led to Demise of Eric Zane

Eric Zane

Popular West Michigan radio personality Eric Zane, who lost his position with the nationally syndicated Free Beer & Hot Wings morning show, is also out as the public address announcer for the Grand Rapids Drive.

The Drive, a member of the NBA Development League, and Zane both said the split came shortly after a home game Feb. 3 at the DeltaPlex Arena against the Austin Spurs.

MLive.com reports shortly after the game, Zane, while broadcasting on the Free Beer & Hot Wings morning show - heard locally on WGRD 97.9 FM and 37 other stations across the country – went on a rant about the conditions of the DeltaPlex and owner Joel Langlois.

Zane was absent from the radio show more than a week before a statement was issued Tuesday confirming that he was no longer a part of the show.

Zane will continue as PA announcer for the Grand Rapids Griffins at Van Andel Arena, the Griffins said. He has done that the past 10 seasons.