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New York News Anchor Steps Down After Arrest, Denies Choking His Wife

Feb 21, 2013  •  Post A Comment

A New York anchorman who was arrested last weekend and accused of choking his wife during a domestic dispute has resigned from his job, The New York Times reports.

Rob Morrison, 44, stepped down from his job anchoring the morning and noon news programs on WCBS-TV, the piece reports. His wife, Ashley Morrison, is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch.

“Mr. Morrison’s decision came one day after he was arraigned and charged with strangulation, threatening and disorderly conduct,” the story reports. “He was released on bail, but a judge in Connecticut ordered that Mr. Morrison, 44, stay at least 100 yards away from his wife, except at work.”

In a statement, Rob Morrison said: “My family is my first and only priority right now, and I have informed CBS2 management that I need to put all of my time and energy into making sure that I do what’s best for my wife and my son. I very much appreciate the opportunity that CBS2 has given me, and I thank them for accepting my decision.”

Authorities said Rob Morrison’s mother-in-law called police early Sunday to report a problem at the couple’s home. In a statement, the Darien, Conn., Police Department said: “Upon arrival it was ascertained that Morrison had been becoming increasingly belligerent toward his wife during the course of the evening, culminating in his choking her by the neck with both hands.”

Officers reportedly saw red marks on Ashley Morrison’s neck.

The piece adds: “Mr. Morrison threatened within earshot of the responding officers ‘that if he was released from police custody he would kill his wife,’ according to court documents.”

Rob Morrison has denied assaulting his wife. Outside the courtroom where he was arraigned Tuesday, he said: “I did not choke my wife; I’ve never laid my hands on my wife. I was just as surprised by that particular charge as probably everyone else.”

ashley-and-rob-morrison.jpgAshley and Rob Morrison

 

2 Comments

  1. She must have been wearing a REALLY tight turtleneck sweater!

  2. It’s so sad to see such a talented guy with a likable on-screen persona throw his career away like this. Fortunately, this tragic event didn’t end in a death or serious injury. There must have been warning signs that weren’t picked up or acted upon by family, friends or co-workers. I hope that the Morrison’s get the help they need to put their lives back together. This incident is a life lesson for all of us. The sage advice, “Never let the sun set on your anger” comes to mind.

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