ESPN suspends Miami TV host Dan Le Batard over LeBron James–trolling billboard

ESPN suspends Miami TV host Dan Le Batard over LeBron James&amp;ndash;trolling billboard

(Image credit: ESPN)

On Thursday, ESPN — like much of the Cleveland area — got word that one of its on-air personalities had welcomed LeBron James back to the Cavaliers with a not-terribly-welcoming billboard. Not amused, ESPN suspended South Florida TV and radio host Dan Le Betard, who had not-so-secretly financed at least six billboards in Akron with the following message:

ESPN, through spokesman Josh Krulewitz, said that Le Betard will be off the air until Monday, adding: "His recent stunt does not reflect ESPN's standards and brand. Additionally, we were not made aware of his plans in advance." They could have gotten a hint from tuning in to his show, the TV version of which is called, for the record, "Dan Le Batard Is Highly Questionable."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.