Longtime radio talk show host Craig Carton resigned after being suspended from his post at WFAN. The on-air partner of former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, Carton is accused of being part of a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors out of millions. Carton was arrested along with associates by the FBI on suspicion of conspiracy, securities fraud and wire fraud in a scheme that centered on a plan to buy and resell concert tickets. Carton allegedly had major gambling debts, the repayment of which drove his activities.
Carton had at first vowed to emerge from under the shadow of the allegations and return to WFAN, where he has been a successful and popular figure. He initially said: “My fight has only just begun and I know when this strange episode is over, I’ll be back, stronger than ever.” But the network may have forced Carton’s hand as more facts surfaced. Carton, out on $500,000 bail, issued a long statement calling it quits, addressing the main reason in this paragraph:
“Unfortunately, the unfounded legal issues currently plaguing me will only be a distraction to everyone at WFAN and the show I helped build. With that in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the station and they accepted. I am sad to see this chapter of my life close but know that it will allow me to focus on my family, my well-being and clearing my name, while giving the show the best opportunity to succeed without further disruption.”
