Mike Missanelli, a well-known figure in sports radio, was taken into custody early Wednesday by the Lower Merion Police after a domestic incident at his home in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
The 70-year-old faces one misdemeanor count of simple assault and an additional charge of harassment.
As reported by NBC Philadelphia, police arrived at the scene following a 911 hangup call around 12:10 a.m. local time. The complaint details a confrontation between Missanelli and his fiancée that turned physical.
Missanelli told police that the couple had a “scuffle” over their engagement. He claimed his fiancée had struck him, but officers found no visible signs of injury.
In contrast, his fiancée recounted that Missanelli “open hand slapped her” on the left side of her face and head. Officers noted a laceration and fresh blood on her head, along with swelling around her ear.
Missanelli was arrested at the scene and later freed after a preliminary arraignment, with his bail set at $10,000. A no-contact order was also implemented, preventing any communication with her.
His preliminary hearing is set for April 22 before Magisterial District Judge Karen Eisner Zucker, as reported by Philly Voice.
The Fideri News Network, Missanelli’s current employer, acknowledged the charges and issued a statement through Chief of Staff Olivia DeMarco.
“The Fideri News Network was informed of the allegations and, considering their seriousness, Mike will step back from the On Pattison Podcast during the legal proceedings,” DeMarco stated. “We condemn all acts of domestic violence and will be closely monitoring the situation.”
Mike Missanelli has a long history of being a diva in the Philadelphia sports radio scene, as well as a long history of assault.
– He was fired from 610 WIP in 2006 after an altercation with an on-site producer in which it was alleged that he hit the producer.
– In May 2020,… https://t.co/0k09eN3k4Q pic.twitter.com/9USHdE0bnq
— Northeast Philly Degenerate (@NeDegenerate) April 8, 2026
Missanelli’s prominent presence in Philadelphia’s sports media spans decades. He originally worked as a sports journalist for The Philadelphia Inquirer before moving to radio. He was a host on 610 WIP but was dismissed in 2006 after an altercation with a producer.
In 2010, he joined 97.5 The Fanatic, becoming a notable voice during the midday and afternoon slots, often leading in local ratings and being simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
He has co-hosted national radio on ESPN with Stephen A. Smith and has participated as a TV panelist in various analyses while contributing to multiple media outlets.
Known for mixing left-wing political views with sports commentary, Missanelli’s approach has been notably critical of former President Trump and his supporters throughout the Trump administration.
He has labeled Trump as a “misogynist pig” and expressed disdain for his supporters in social media posts. “I’m an Independent who abhors a racist slime like Trump…” is one of the many statements he has made, as illustrated in his posts.
No public comment has been made by Missanelli or his attorney regarding the current legal matters.
