Ex-local radio host allegedly violates probation (Houston) (Jon Mathews)

The Houston Chronicle ^ | 8.4.06 | ERIC HANSON

[trumandogz]

When I lived in Houston I would listen to Jon's show and always agreed with his stands on the issues. He always seemed to be a good conservative and Christian.

I am not sure if he was set-up or if what the state says is the truth.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I lived in Houston for ten years and Jon pissed a lot of Liberals off, which is why I liked him.

Too bad.

Child molestation is one of those things of which you are guilty-by-accusation.

[trumandogz]

Bashing Liberals is a dangerous occupation and it looks like Jon has been set-up by those who angered.

[Humidston]

Damn. Just damn.

[detroitdarien]

I lived in Houston for ten years and Jon pissed a lot of Liberals off, which is why I liked him.

Yikes. Not good. Really, those who publicly advocate for morals and conservative values have to be "above reproach" in their personal lives. Unfortunately, their behavior undercuts their message.

[Crawdad]

I lived in Houston when a local doctor lady who had a radio talk show about medical issues had to quit because someone caught her smoking a cigarette, something she deplored on her show.

[Humidston]

was discussing sexual fantasies over the Internet

Sounds like a sting operation. What an idiot!

Jon, I loved you like a brother and defended you the first time around, but you need to get a grip on reality. You have some serious impulse control issues.

[Flyer]

Remember the ads he did for the window company and he talked about standing at them in his underwear?

He wasn't kidding.

[Spirochete]

Mr. Matthews ran afoul of powerful people who stood to profit (a lot) from the downtown light rail system.

[Sans-Culotte]

According to court records, Matthews, 61, tested positive for alcohol, and was discussing sexual fantasies over the Internet.

If this is true, then it is obvious there is a "dark side" to Matthews (as indeed there is for many people).

I was never a huge fan of his, but I would sometimes tune him in if there was nothing else on. Like a lot of local talk-show hosts, he was not in the league of national hosts like Rush, Laura, Levin et al. All the local guys here in Houston, either before or after Matthews, are pretty lightweight, IMO.

[TheGrimReaper]

Jon obviously needs some help.
OTOH, Barney Fwank is still running loose in New England....but that, apparently, is OK.

[humblegunner]

Well, that whole "talking on the radio" fetish ought to have set off someone's alarm bells.

[CSM]

"According to the police report, the girl -- who was a neighbor -- arrived at the Matthews house to play with Matthews' puppy."

When I first got my puppy, the kids in my neighborhood loved it. I would let them play with my pup, but only outside in the front yard and with their parents permission. One day I was sitting in my house and one of the 10-11 year old girls just walked in my house to play with the puppy. I jumped up, took her home immediately and reported it to her mom.

It was a very frightening situation and I could envision my life being devestated by a false accusation.

[widowithfoursons]

Has Barney gone after kids? Throw away the key on this guy if he is guilty.

[Flyer]

the girl arrived at the Matthews house to play with Matthews' puppy

Anyone else familiar with the Marcia Ball song "I want to play with your poodle"?

[trumandogz]

Back in the 1980's when Jon was part of Mathews and Moby, he had a late night public service talk show on Sunday nights. Most of the callers were teenagers and would talk to Jon about their problems.

I can recall on several occasions Jon succeeded in talking pregnant teenage girls out of having abortions. Jon would stay on the line with these girls for entire segments or even an hour to help them make the right decision.

Other girls would ask Jon for advice to their teenage problems having to do with boyfriends etc.

I always respected Jon for his work and perhaps he has crossed the wrong people in his work or perhaps he is just a little creepy.

[humblegunner]

Most of the callers were teenagers and would talk to Jon about their problems.

Hey, one of 'em was me!

It took forever to get ahold of him, but it was a kind of thrill to hear myself on the radio.

[TheGrimReaper]

Not that I know of, but Barney's "companion" was running a male prostitution ring out of their basement, and - naturally - Barney claims he knew absolutely nothing about it.

[ichabod1]

"above reproach"

Well that's a standard none of us can meet. I will say that avoiding inviting the neighbor girl in to play with your puppy is a reachable goal.