Dan McLaughlin opens up about history with alcoholism and depression in Twitter post after losing Cardinals broadcast job

ST. LOUIS (KMOV) — Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin, who parted ways with the team after his third DWI charge, posted a letter on Twitter Monday detailing a long battle with alcoholism, depression and anxiety.

This is the first time McLaughlin has spoken publicly about the extent of his struggles. He said in the letter that he had been sober for nearly 10 years until Dec. 4, when he was arrested for persistent drunken driving. Later that month, the Cardinals and Bally Sports Midwest announced that he would not return to the team as a play-by-play broadcaster. He spent 24 years in Cardinals broadcasting.

McLaughlin says in the letter that he was struggling with depression more than usual at the time of his arrest. He said over the Christmas holidays that the reason for his depression was because of family problems from his childhood with alcoholism. This led to him drinking alcohol and taking his prescribed medication that day on an empty stomach, which was a “recipe for disaster”.

He says in the letter that he is fully responsible for his actions. She said she decided to go public with her story in hopes that it might help someone else dealing with similar issues.

“How cruel it is to write and open this post about myself, I want to write this in my own words and maybe someone who is suffering from alcoholism, mental health issues or both will read this and get the help they need. My position is no worse,” McLaughlin wrote.

McLaughlin pleaded guilty Thursday, Feb. 9, to a DWI charge from December. He was found guilty of driving under the influence in two separate cases in November 2010 and November 2011.

The Cardinals and Bally Sports Midwest released a statement after announcing McLaughlin’s departure from his role.

“Dan McLaughlin returns as Cardinals TV announcer for Bally Sports Midwest. Dan was the voice of the Cardinals’ most memorable moments for 24 years. We thank him for his contributions to Cardinals baseball, to Cardinals fans and for his many charitable efforts.”

The Cardinals recently announced that St. Louis native Chip Karai will take on the lead broadcasting role at Bally Sports Midwest.

An estimated 14.5 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. A 2019 national survey also found that less than 10 percent of people with the disease received treatment in the past year.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, the suicide hotline is 988. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is also available 24/7 for people seeking immediate help with referrals for treatment or information services for families facing mental health issues. substance use disorders.

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