Springfield MO Radio: Sports Talker Off Air After Harris Slur

Nate Lucas

KBFL 1060 AM 99.9 / 96.9 FM Springfield, MO host Nate Lucas was taken off the air Monday following alleged offensive comments he made about Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Lucas, host of "The Nate Lucas Show," will not air all week, the Springfield News-Leader reported.

The News-Leader reported that a recording of Lucas's controversial statement was unavailable, but three people with knowledge of the situation said he used an offensive, sexist slur to describe Harris on his show Friday.

Tom Ladd, Zimmer Midwest Communication's operations manager, informed listeners about Lucas's absence, leaving out specific details on the matter but asking viewers to allow time for the station to investigate.

"While we'd like to say more about the situation right now, it would probably be better if we leave it at that for the time being," Ladd said on the air.

Also on Monday, Art Hains, the longtime host of another sports radio show, stepped down from the station, saying he did not want to be associated with the "regrettable" comments allegedly made by Lucas about Missouri State student-athletes and staffers.

Hains said he reviewed Lucas's tape, adding that he would be gone until the incident involving Lucas was resolved.