Jeff Dubay let go by AM1500 in cost-cutting move

Jeff Dubay, the AM1500 sports talk host who left the airwaves a while back because of drug problems, was let go Monday in his second time around on the air after one year.

Dubay, 45, said in a series of tweets that the Hubbard Broadcasting station laid him off "purely for cost cutting measures."

Despite being jettisoned from his late-morning duties with Judd Zulgad, Dubay added that he was grateful "for the great opportunity" AM1500 management gave him following his legal difficulties connected to drug addiction. Drugs cost him his initial on-air radio job as a morning co-host on KFAN, when its home was AM 1130.

"Thanks to all who have given their love and support," one of his tweets read.

Following the tweets, the station added on its Facebook page that Dubay "has done a great job for us. … Unfortunately, the 2014 business environment requires that we operate in a more efficient manner. This decision is not a reflection of Jeff's performance. It is a reflection of our current operating environment."

The station added that Monday was Dubay's last day and that there are no plans for new on-air talent.

Dubay added that the station waived his no-compete clause, meaning he is free to find another radio gig in a Twin Cities market with a significant sports presence across AM and FM.

Dubay was one year into a crack cocaine addiction and a failed shot at rehab when he was arrested in October 2008 for possession of the drug. He immediately lost his job of 10 years co-hosting with Paul Allen a popular KFAN sports talk show that had a loyal following on the metro's first all-sports talk station.

During an interview on WCCO Radio in July 2012, Dubay said he started experimenting with crack during a difficult divorce. He was critical of practices at some treatment centers (he went to three) and said he finally kicked his habit by locking himself in his bedroom.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482