In a quick-moving story, WFAN morning show co-host Craig Carton has been suspended indefinitely by CBS Radio. Carton, half of the “Boomer & Carton” show that’s also simulcast on CBS Sports Network, was arrested Wednesday by Federal agents on securities, wire and conspiracy charges that he ran a Ponzi scheme in regards to a fake ticket scam.
According to Newsday’s Neil Best, Carton will be on leave while CBS Radio will utilize various fill-ins to co-host with Boomer Esiason. The first co-host will be Esiason’s fellow CBS NFL Today analyst Phil Simms:
CBS Radio/@WFAN660 has suspended Craig Carton pending further investigation. Phil Simms to co-host Thursday.
— Neil Best (@sportswatch) September 7, 2017
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Other co-hosts will be named at a later date, but this couldn’t come at a worse time for WFAN. Its other major host, Mike Francesa is scheduled to leave in December, but with Carton on ice for who knows how long, WFAN would be hampered in both of the major dayparts, mornings and afternoons. CBS Radio could be forced to pay the piper to keep Francesa while it figures out what to do with the morning show.
The news about Carton has hit CBS Radio hard just as it enters the fall as the Yankees are in a pennant race and the NFL is about to start. It’s an interesting circle as Carton and Esiason had to replace Don Imus in 2007 following his firing over controversial comments regarding the Rutgers women’s basketball team. Now WFAN is in a similar crisis as Carton faces federal charges.
This may be the last we have heard of Carton on the radio. And if CBS Radio decides to let him go, even if he’s found not guilty of the charges, it may be difficult for him to find another gig.
