about mark madden

On November 14, 2006, Madden reported that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward was appearing at Ross Park Mall in Pittsbugh to sign autographs at BC Sports, and that tickets for one signature started at $175. [4]. Madden claims that the following day, Ward was extremely upset at the Steelers' media department because the segment portrayed Ward in a negative light. Madden claims that the Steelers called ESPN Radio 1250 to complain about the incident. [5]. Just a day after that, Madden was fired from the WTAE-TV Sunday evening sports program Action Sports Sunday as a result of Madden's on-air language (used the word 'jackass' during a broadcast). The team made the argument that they did not care for it, yet he contests that he has used similar language for years. The team allegedly threatened to cut off WTAE from access to Steelers for interviews if Madden was not removed. There has been some speculation about the incidents being connected by fans of Madden and, of course, by Madden himself. As a result of this and other incidents, Madden now refers to Ward as "Whines Hard" when discussing him on his radio show.