For those that don’t know what a death pool is, participants buy in and select celebrities that they believe have a chance to die soon. If your selection is the next to die, you win the pool. Chicago’s 670 The Score radio host Dan McNeil shared on Facebook, his dismay after being informed a listener selected him in a death pool.
“Give the dude credit for a sound investment strategy. I’m a good “value pick” in a pool like that,” wrote McNeil in what ended up being a very honest and emotional Facebook post.
McNeil went on to outline he’s out of shape for a 57-year old, something that has been discussed on-air. The radio host doesn’t exercise, drinks about nine cups of coffee per day and continues to smoke cigarettes which he has for decades. McNeil has also been open about his dealings with depression and mental illness, reiterating in the Facebook post that it runs in his family.
But McNeil didn’t just laugh off the selection, it forced him to reflect and picture his children living without him, which made it difficult to absorb the thought that he is a death pool pick. “I must confess, this guy got to me. I even cried a few times. Daydreaming about my sons’ sadness over the void in their lives is an optic I’d just as soon avoid,” the Score radio host wrote. McNeil has three sons, Van, Jack and Patrick all between the ages of 24 – 28.
The most emotional part of McNeil’s post and reflection was envisioning his 25-year old autistic son Patrick dealing with the loss of his dad. “His sadness is my biggest fear. Fear isn’t strong enough. It…takes my breath away. He doesn’t have typical friends. He’s verbal, but not conversational. I am his life soulmate and he is mine.
“Patrick already has expressed being terrified over the eventual passing of loved ones. He’s close to very few and my departure would be catastrophic for him. He still asks me to tickle him when he goes to bed. He has the spirit and doting eyes of a 5-year-old looking at daddy.”
McNeil has participated in death pools himself, just two week ago he asked his radio partner, Danny Parkins if he was “appalled” by the game. After Parkins said he doesn’t participate in them, but wasn’t appalled by the concept, McNeil said “I’m participating in one right now.” He then added that he plays with the “85 and over” rule, which both hosts agreed made the death pool more reasonable.
McNeil has been a sports talk staple in Chicago for decades and at the age of 57, he’s in the midst of his third tenure at 670 The Score. Last year he was paired with Danny Parkins. McNeil and Parkins broadcast weekdays from 1 – 6pm.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.