Neil Rogers leaves WQAM

According the Neil's website he's taken an early retirement:

NEIL ROGERS TAKES EARLY RETIREMENT FROM SPORTS RADIO 560 WQAM-AM

MIAMI, Florida, June 22, 2009 – Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM and Neil Rogers, Inc. have announced that veteran talk show host Neil Rogers is giving up his day to day show on WQAM but will consult with the station as part of a new agreement.

According to Joe Bell, VP and Market Manager for Beasley’s Miami Radio cluster, a sports talk show will launch immediately from 10AM-2PM.

Rogers’ agent and attorney, Norm Kent, said, "he has no intention of seeking other on-air work at this time, and has directed me not to seek any such employment, though under our agreement with WQAM, this is not prohibited.”

First hired in 1997, Neil Rogers was the only general talk host on WQAM which is otherwise dedicated to sports. His popular top-rated show aired from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. EST weekdays.

Mr. Bell added, “Rogers was a ratings leader in Miami for years and we’re happy that we could reach a new accord that works well for both parties.”

The Sun-Sentinel's Tom Jicha has more here. According to Jicha:

Bad blood had been simmering. In May, WQAM fired Rogers' longtime producer, Jorge Rodriguez. On May 18, Rogers, weary of listener comments about Rodriguez, blurted out a profanity aimed at station management. Rogers said he immediately reached for the button that allows seven seconds to delete anything before it gets on the air. However, the button was not working and the expletive aired. Rogers was suspended for three days with pay.

Rogers also said the station was pressing him to give up his relaxed summer schedule, which required him to work only two days a week. Rogers was adamant he wouldn't do this.