Sorry to report this. Wishing Mac the best.
From my report in the Chicago Tribune:
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Dan McNeil is on the sidelines again.
Sources with knowledge of the situation say the WSCR-AM 670 mid-morning host again is experiencing issues related to depression. Those sources also say the station is giving him a leave of absence, but there is no guarantee he will return to the air.
Station officials would not comment. McNeil, through his agent Bryan Harlan, declined to discuss his situation.
In 2012, McNeil was off the air for an extended period from the 9 a.m-1 p.m. show he co-hosts with Matt Spiegel. When he returned, he was open about his battles with depression and substance abuse.
“I was born with something that I have no control over,” McNeil said then. “And I have fought that for a good portion of my life. It is not the type of disease that garners much sympathy, but I am not interested in sympathy.”
He added, “Time to hit the brakes on something that has been a best friend when all other measures failed. … It’s weed, it’s alcohol — I can’t have it. … I can’t have the substances. I can’t promise anything down the road, but I know today — as I have been for the past six weeks — pretty happy to be substance-free.”
Wish him the absolute best in doing what he needs to do to take care of himself. Miss him on the air. Get Well.
Danny Mac, It is so fun listening to you while I’m driving. You make me laugh every time I listen. My brother-in-law struggles with addiction, he has for a long time. 4 DUI’s, time in jail, and so much more. My wife and I have tried to help him so many times, but now she feels spent (I kind of gave up a while ago). I think she is now just preparing herself for his death. We both believe that embracing his need for God is all that he has left, but he won’t do it. I cannot understand how someone who has no hope and nothing left would NOT turn to God. Not sure if you’re a spiritual man, but I want you to know that I will pray for you my friend. You are not a failure. I pray that you can find hope. I don’t know you, but I love you.
Brad
I feel your pain. Depression runs in my family. It has taken a brother indirectly and a niece directly. I have had some battles with it, over the years. You feel like your in a deep well staring up and there is no color to the world. There is hope Dan just hang in and keep fighting. It’s hard for those who have never experienced depression to understand but I know and understand. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I do have some sympathy for Danny Mac but how many times has he ripped athletes for getting busted for failed drug :alcohol tests? Maybe some of them had same issues , Mac. You have always ridiculed and bashed athletes for the same thing you want sympathy for. … Not getting it here.