Controversial and combative sports talk-radio pioneer Howard Eskin and 94-WIP finally parted ways Friday. No reason was given.

A spokesperson for Audacy, the parent company of WIP, said in a statement, “WIP and Howard Eskin have parted ways. We thank Howard for his years of contributions to WIP.”

Eskin, a multimedia personality both nationally and locally, helped build the station and the genre over the past four decades … for better or worse.

While many Philadelphians appreciated Eskin’s gruff delivery and his biting criticisms, his bullying manner and shameless self-promotion — he calls himself “The King” — rubbed legions of others the wrong way.

He was involved in a long list of feuds and misdeeds, most recently his suspension from Phillies and Sixers events after he made an unwanted advance toward a female Aramark employee at Citizens Bank Park in May.

I wrote at the time that WIP, where Eskin lately worked as a part-time contributor, as well as the Flyers and Eagles, should follow suit. They did not.

» READ MORE: Howard Eskin barred from Citizens Bank Park following unwanted advance toward an Aramark employee

As a Philly sportswriter for the past 30 years, and as a part-time colleague of Eskin’s at WIP for the past four years, I’ve seen his star rise and fall and rise again. And since I addressed the departure of WIP morning host Angelo Cataldi when he retired in February of 2023, I believe I also should address Eskin’s exit.

Eskin was, and is, a well-connected reporter. He always has worked extremely hard. He asks tough questions. Unlike most radio jocks, if he rips a player, coach, or executive, he eventually will present himself to the target of his enmity in case said target takes issue with him; just ask Charlie Manuel.

Let’s leave it at that.