Hosting the #1 sports radio show after prison
Images
Many thought Craig Carton's sports media career was over after being arrested for frauding investors in September 2017. At the time, Carton was the co-host of the Boomer and Carton radio show on the NY sports radio channel WFAN; they had the #1 radio show in the morning slot. He resigned from the show shortly after the arrest.
Afterward, Craig was convicted and sentenced to 3.5 years. A year later, he was released early to finish his sentence outside of prison. Before his sentence ended, he would be rehired at WFAN in October 2020 to host with Evan Roberts for the afternoon radio spot. The hiring seemed like a risk since Carton admitted his wrongdoing was partly due to being addicted to sports gambling.
The Carton and Roberts show shortly accomplished something that recent WFAN afternoon shows have been struggling to do, becoming the #1 show. In June 2023, Carton announced he would leave WFAN to devote time to his sports television show on Fox Sports 1, The Carton Show.
What makes this even more amazing is Carton has accomplished all this despite being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in his 30s. It has not hindered his career all too much.
Quotes
It is going to take time to re-earn the trust and respect of the audience, advertisers and co-workers,...I’m aware of that. I’m not expecting everyone to roll out some red carpet for me: ‘Ooh, Craig Carton is back.’ I don’t expect that, nor do I deserve that. I’m overwhelmed with joy that Entercom, who I’ve never worked for, is giving me this opportunity. I don’t take it lightly.
Craig Carton
For a long time I didn’t tell anyone I had Tourette’s, because I just didn’t know,
Craig Carton
Craig Carton, you have indeed descended into a hell of your own making,...Everything you spent a lifetime of building up is gone. Your marriage is over. Your family is decimated. Your kids are terrified. Your career is in tatters. Your reputation is lost.
Colleen McMahon
Related Media
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A documentary about the rise and fall of a NY sports radio hostCraig Carton
References
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How Craig Carton went from ‘scared to death’ of prison to second WFAN chance
The second chance WFAN is giving Craig Carton is not just any job. It is one of the most sought-after spots in sports radio. Built by “Mike and the Mad Dog,” FAN’s afternoon drive is prime radio real estate even in an increasingly digital world.
New York Post
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Craig Carton released early from prison with a WFAN return realistic
On April 5, 2019, Carton was sentenced to 3½ years behind bars. He was ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution to his victims. He had been convicted the previous November for a nearly $7 million ticket resale scam that he said was to pay off gambling debts.
New York Post
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WFAN’s Carton & Roberts beats ESPN’s Michael Kay Show in winter book
After losing the fall quarter to ESPN’s “The Michael Kay Show” with Kay, Peter Rosenberg and Don La Greca, WFAN’s “Carton & Roberts” with Craig Carton and Evan Roberts has won the winter book of the January to March quarter.
New York Post
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Ex-Sports Radio Host Craig Carton Sentenced in Ticket Resale Scheme
The sports radio personality Craig Carton was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on Friday by a longtime fan and listener — the judge — for a ticket reselling scheme that ended his broadcast partnership with the former N.F.L. quarterback Boomer Esiason.
The New York Times
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Could This Breakthrough Relieve Tourette Symptoms?
The mouthpiece doesn’t cure Tourette, Craig says. But it can turn off the symptoms and let children go out into the world without fear. “We’re telling parents that there’s an alternative to drugs, and we can help.”
Yahoo
