Writing in the Sun-Times, Dan McNeil reflected on his time at ESPN 1000 WMVP-AM, which came to abrupt end last week when management decided not to pick up the option on an additional year on his contract. McNeil was also taken off the air immediately, brining to an end his involvment in the Mac, Jurko, and Harry “Afternoon Saloon”.

From McNeil’s piece in the Sun-Times:

I made the most of the almost eight years I worked at WMVP-AM (1000). It’s not overstating it to suggest I got everything I wanted out of it — revenge, ratings, money and relationships.

And now it’s over. Station general manager Jim Pastor fired me Friday.

There has been much speculation about why I got whacked. I wish I could enlighten you, but the truth is, I didn’t ask why.

It doesn’t matter. It was time. Time for both parties to change the backdrop.

McNeil addressed the speculation that he and co-host Harry Teinowitz did not have a good working relationship:

Contrary to perception, the dynamic I had with third wheel Harry Teinowitz was mostly good. Because I landed in the penalty box thrice after Tiny spats, it’s silly to deny rifts existed, but the Tiny One brought a lot to the party. When he stopped resisting his role as a part-time punching bag, the show ascended to higher levels.

The MJH show broke the local mold. Three opinionated guys, all with divergent interests and from diametrically opposed backgrounds. I was the edgy radio lifer, Jurko the jolly jock and Harry the worldly, failed actor/comedian.

The “Afternoon Saloon” has continued on WMVP-AM without McNeil. Long-time staffer Carmen DeFalco has joined the team as the new third member.