Dan McLaughlin
Dan McLaughlin in broadcast booth holding microphone
McLaughlin in booth before a game
Born (1974-03-18) March 18, 1974 (age 49)[1]
St. Louis, Missouri
EducationLindenwood University
OccupationBroadcaster
SpouseLibby

Daniel Edwin McLaughlin (born March 18, 1974) is a professional sportscaster who formerly worked on the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues telecasts on the cable television channel Bally Sports Midwest.[2] He used to be a play-by-play announcer for the NFL on Fox.

Early life

Dan McLaughlin was born on March 18, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri.[3] He grew up in the St. Louis area where his father was a school teacher. Following his graduation from St. John Vianney High School in suburban Kirkwood, Missouri, McLaughlin attended Lindenwood University in Saint Charles[4] where he played baseball. Setting his sights on sports broadcasting from an early age, McLaughlin performed a variety of broadcasting duties at university-owned KCLC while a student at Lindenwood.

Broadcast career

While in college, McLaughlin served an internship at KMOX radio in St. Louis, and he became a sports talk show host with the station in 1996.[2][5] McLaughlin soon found himself as a frequent contributor to St. Louis Blues telecasts on KPLR-TV and FSN Midwest. In 2000, he became the play-by-play broadcaster for FSN's Cardinals games.[1] Additionally, McLaughlin did play-by-play for the Mizzou Tiger and Missouri Valley Conference basketball games and occasional regional college football games for ESPN.[6]

He also owns a media company, Scoops with Danny Mac, where he interviews nationally-known sports figures for both a television show and podcast. Scoops with Danny Mac is known for candid one-on-one interviews between McLaughlin and his subject.[citation needed]

Bally Sports placed McLaughlin on leave in December of 2022 following his arrest for persistent driving while intoxicated.[7] Bally Sports announced it had parted ways with McLaughlin on December 15, 2022.[8]

Personal life

McLaughlin and wife, Libby, are the parents of two sons and two daughters. The McLaughlins are involved in several St. Louis area charities, including hosting the annual "Dan McLaughlin Golf Tournament" to benefit special education.[6]

Drunk driving arrests

On August 16, 2010, McLaughlin was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated. Under a plea agreement, he was allowed to keep his drivers license, but was given two years of probation.[9]

On September 30, 2011, McLaughlin was involved in a one-vehicle crash near his Chesterfield, Missouri, home. Police investigated and arrested McLaughlin on charges of drunk driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.[10] Following the second arrest, Fox Sports Midwest suspended McLaughlin indefinitely. [2][11] In addition to suspension from his job with Fox Sports, McLaughlin lost his regular appearances on KMOX radio. McLaughlin was reinstated by Fox in February 2012 after being treated for alcoholism at a rehab facility. He also returned to KMOX, but in a much more limited role.

On December 4, 2022, McLaughlin was once again arrested in Creve Coeur, Missouri, for driving under the influence.[12] He was charged with persistent driving while intoxicated, a felony offense.[13] On February 10, 2023, McLaughlin pleaded guilty to felony DWI and was referred to treatment court.[14] On February 13, 2023, McLaughlin released a statement on social media detailing his struggles with mental health and alcoholism.[15]

References

  1. ^ a b St. Louis Cardinals 2006 Media Guide. Hadler Printing, 2006.
  2. ^ a b c "Broadcasters". St. Louis Cardinals. Retrieved September 22, 2008.
  3. ^ Caesar, Dan. "Getting to know Dan McLaughlin." St. Louis Post Dispatch, August 3, 2002.
  4. ^ "What's Next for Sportscaster Dan McLaughlin?". Eureka-Wildwood Patch. October 3, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  5. ^ "Exclusive interview with Dan McLaughlin". Redbirds Fun. February 13, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Dan McLaughlin bio". CBSStLouis.com. 2011. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  7. ^ "Dan McLaughlin to be replaced on SLU broadcasts on Bally through December".
  8. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals TV announcer Dan McLaughlin won't return to booth after DWI arrest".
  9. ^ "Dan McLaughlin Charged Again with DWI". KSDK-TV website. September 29, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  10. ^ "Cards broadcaster McLaughlin cited for drunk driving". STL Today.com. September 30, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  11. ^ Mann, Jennifer. "Cards Broadcaster McLaughlin cited for drunk driving". STLtoday.
  12. ^ Tiamoyo Harris, Taylor (December 5, 2022). "Cardinals announcer Dan McLaughlin charged with 3rd DWI, pulled over in Creve Coeur". St. Louis Post-Dispatch via website. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  13. ^ "Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin charged with felony persistent DWI". December 6, 2022.
  14. ^ Kull, Katie. "Former Cardinals announcer Dan McLaughlin pleads guilty to felony DWI". STLtoday.com. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  15. ^ Caesar, Dan. "Ex-Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin opens up about his demons, hopes sad story helps others". STLtoday.com. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
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