Howard Eskin - Controversy

Controversy

In 1997 Eskin was exposed as the "prominent Philadelphia sportscaster" who had sent a dozen roses to a woman five days before she was murdered by her husband. The woman had posted a fake profile on a dating site, identifying herself as 25-year-old "Brandice". A note sent with the roses was read during the guilty plea of Raymond Stumpf by his attorney: "Dear Brandice It was absolutely wonderful getting to know you. Hope to get to know you better. You were very thought-provoking and I do love your name. Love, Howard." Eskin subsequently denied ever meeting with her and said the roses were nothing more than an innocent attempt to brighten a lonely woman's day. At his sentencing, in Montgomery County Court, Raymond Stumpf stated "I think the worst part was probably the day the roses came." Stumpf was sentenced to a term of 7 1/2 to 15 years for the killing.

Howard is best known for his controversial comments in regard to teams, coaches, athletes, sportswriters, broadcasters, and listeners and sometimes non-sports related issues. It is not uncommon to hear Eskin defend one of his "favorites" against a popular critical opinion, or disregard a milestone accomplished by someone who he doesn't "like." One example of this is when he recently slammed Roy Halladay, in the off-season after Halladay pitched the MLB's 20th perfect game ever and the second ever no hitter in the playoffs, for not speaking to the media enough and not disclosing his opinions on matters where his opinions had already been made public and quotes from Halladay had already been released to the media.

He was suspended and forced to give an on-air apology to the organizers of the Miss America Pageant for saying on the air that the contest was rigged.

During a controversy involving former Flyer Eric Lindros selling game tickets to Mafia members, Eskin interviewed reputed Philly mob boss Joseph Merlino about the Mafioso's sitting in Lindros' seats at a hockey game at the Flyers' rink. Merlino denied getting the seats from Lindros.

Eskin has also been known to lead long-term "campaigns" to have players traded from Philadelphia teams such as former Phillies' outfielder Bobby Abreu for alleged lackadaisical defense and lack of clutch hitting, and Sixers' guard Allen Iverson for his allegedly selfish play. Eskin's last public stunt was organizing a mock funeral to celebrate Terrell Owens demise with the Eagles during their 2005 season.

In 2007, Eskin criticized the Philadelphia Phillies for not taking chances with their payroll and running their sports franchise like a "department store." After a 3-9 start to the team's 2007 season, Eskin had a publicized confrontation with manager Charlie Manuel, implying that he was not tough enough on his players and goading him into yelling and threatening Eskin in the press room, Manuel's office, and in the Phillies' clubhouse.

Eskin often touts his affinity for a wardrobe that includes expensive jewelry and clothing, particularly fur coats for Philadelphia Eagles home games. In his "honor", Philadelphia Daily News writers dubbed Eskin "The King of Bling,". Eskin sold a bobblehead doll of him wearing a fur coat, with the proceeds going to charity, in 2004 and 2005, which raised 75,000 dollars for charity. The first 100 dolls in the 2005 version came with a special small diamond chip in his "bling" necklace.

He has sponsored numerous charity and fund-raising events off-the-air to benefit a particular humanitarian cause throughout the years, most recently for victims of Hurricane Katrina. On the air, he has advocated for issues such as public smoking bans and medical tort reform.