Exclusive: Rhodell Lewis said he was wrongfully terminated by Praise
Rhodell Lewis is planning to fight back in what he sees as a wrongful termination from Praise.
Praise afternoon disc jockey Rhodell Lewis was told to meet with management at 1 p.m. Sept. 1.
“I thought I was getting a bonus, a raise,” he said.
Instead, Praise fired him.
Lewis won’t say what he was fired for, only that it was an “embarrassing” allegation made by a client made against him. He was not able to defend himself, he said. Instead, he said he was speechless by the sudden termination. Program Director Derek Harper led him to his locker to clean out his stuff and escorted him to the elevator. He couldn’t say goodbye to people. For several minutes, he just sat in his car, unable to drive. (Harper declined to comment.)
Two weeks later, Lewis said in an exclusive interview that he’s planning to fight back.
“I was wrongly accused,” he said. “I know right from wrong. I have to fight this. I wasn’t treated properly.” He said he’s hired an attorney to look into filing a wrongful termination suit. He said management produced no documents proving the allegations, that they simply believed the other side without getting his side of the story.
“I want my name cleared even if I don’t get my job back,” he said.
Lewis said he was not under contract like many radio personalities and received no severance pay. He said over his four-plus years at Praise, he asked to be put under contract (which provides some protections he might not otherwise have), but management declined.
Praise regularly finished in the top 5 in overall ratings in metro Atlanta and draws about 700,000 listeners a week, according to Arbitron. It’s the most popular gospel station in the nation. Lewis was the afternoon jock from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Among 25-to-54-year olds, Lewis ranked 8th in August during his final full month of Arbitron measurements.
Lewis said he never received a bad review and would receive bonuses when his ratings exceeded expectations.
Married with two kids, Lewis has been in the radio business for more than 30 years, 23 in Atlanta at various gospel stations. He joined Praise in 2006.
For now, he is going to focus on his year-old production company, which hosts gospel-related events. He may seek a syndicated deal. “I have plans,” he said. “I’m cool. I’m still going to be me. My friends and my listeners know my character.”
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82 comments Add your comment
flip
September 15th, 2011
9:17 am
How do you take sides here? He said he was accused by someone. How do you know he wasn’t grabbing some new girl’s butt? I do agree he should have been given a chance to defend his self. But that’s the way it can go down. Was his boss a woman?
Latrina Jackson
September 15th, 2011
9:39 am
It was wrong wrong wrong to do this to my man Roadell!
Peace!
Rosebud
September 15th, 2011
9:53 am
Thank you for the inspiration you gave EVERYDAY!!! I will be praying for ou. I certainly looked forward to your program as I rode home from work. I’d have my radio on when I walked into the house so I wouldn’t miss any of the afternoon with you. I don’t know the circumstances at the studio, but I think everyone deserves the right to defend their character. I wish you well because I know and you know that God MUST have something better planned and ou served Him well during your tenure. You must now that your own advice that you’ve given in encouragement and go through that opened window. Step out on your Faith!!!
Sloppy Joe
September 15th, 2011
9:54 am
I find it funny how everytime a black person commits a crime or is allegedly in trouble its the same old response…
“Nothjing to see here…we all make mistakes….dog fighting was a mistake but he should be given a second chance…he only hceated on his spouse once and no one is perfect.”
Meanwhile when someone like Imus who is a shockjock says something that hurts the Rutgers basketball teams feelings the response is as follows…
HE A RACIST…..FIRE THAT GUY NOW!!!!
Keeper of the Flame
September 15th, 2011
10:02 am
God will not be mocked, by those who call themselves Christian but live life like they wish, nor those who call on other gods and question the God of the universe as to where he is, or those that feel they have the right to sit in judgement of his children. So this situation is just like all the other(s) that fall into this pit. Remember the wages of sin is still death, and payday is coming.
bucket
September 15th, 2011
10:02 am
Just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn’t mean they are a Christ follower. I love how people like to use these type of situations as an opportunity to bash all Christians. There are good and bad people in all religious groups and non-religious groups. One point cannot be contradicted, however, true Christ followers have enhanced every culture they have ever been in. No single group has done more in the history of the world to minister to the needs of sick and poor people. How many orphanages and hospitals have the names of atheists on their front doors? Christianity has also had a positive contribution to art, music, architecture, human rights, etc.
Ulice
September 15th, 2011
10:11 am
How many people have raped, murdered, tortured, enslaved in the name of Atheism?
How many people have been raped, murdered, tortured, in the name of Christianity?
Christians can create a million hospitals and orphanages and that will NEVER make up for the crimes against humanity that Christians have done in the past, continue to do today.
Sloppy Joe
September 15th, 2011
10:11 am
I think mpost ministers are a bunch of greedy pigs and I am a Christian. I mean Christianity is all about serving others and being humble.
Whats humble baout a lot of ministers you see today. They are all over the cameras and involved in “The lord’s work” whihc usually involves a good payday for them.
I don’t know a lot of black ministers but the ones I see on TV are not exactly what i called men of God….
Cam Newtons Dad
Jesse Jackson
Al Sharton
MLK
That Eddie Bishop
Then yo have the white guys trying to make a buck on God too…like Jim Baker, Fallwell and some of these other clowns.
The word Christian means “Christ follower” doesn’t mean we all are perfect but we follow Christ and try and be like him….a servant….humble…..caring and giving. This guy in the picture above probably spends 2 hours a days getting his goatee perfect and picking out pink shirts. that alon eis a red flag that vanity runs amock in his daily life.
NoTellRhodell
September 15th, 2011
10:27 am
Flying Spaghetti Monster has plans for you, Rhodell. Look to Him and you will receive your answers.
arlene
September 15th, 2011
10:28 am
Sorry for his problem, and I hope he finds something better.
But I certainly am glad that YOUNGBLOOD is back on Saturday mornings!!
Steve
September 15th, 2011
10:37 am
@No Grounds – If you want to pretend to be a legal expert, take a few seconds to google the terms you use. “Right to work” has absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter discussed in this post.
blkshepherd
September 15th, 2011
10:51 am
I dont know the details..but I doubt seriously they just Fired him. Of course being this a right to work state they can fire you for good reason bad reason or no reason.
I know because I work in Job Disputes. Its Unfortunate for him being not wanting to disclose and saying its embarrassing the alegations he’s only making the situation worst by talking about it. Its obvious his employers are spearing him extra embarrsment of Not disclosing what they fired him for. If they really wanted to be nasty they could Revel the reasons they fired him then he would Really be embarrassed. Best for Mr. Lewis to just Find another job.
He’s not going to win and with No contract to protect his rights..he may as well chock this up as a lost.
The person that said he was Rude to him, its possible. Just because folks claim their Christians..they are Not followers of the True Christ and Are some of the nastiest rudiest people you can encounter. Yet sit their asses in church like their hearts are Pure. HA! If you dont believe me. check out some of the MESSY folks that come to the Church Conventions.
Many of them are just as Messy as folks who Dont attend any church or have any belief. Good Luck Mr. Lewis but If I were you I would start surfing the net for Another Job.
Real Talk
September 15th, 2011
10:51 am
Rhodell is a good guy, if he feels he wasn’t treated properly he has a right to inquire about legal action. He may just be upset, he just lost his job don’t judge him because he’s not handling it maybe the way you would.
We all have rights that we can choose to exercise. However, from a legal stand point he may not have a case, because employment laws in GA are very pro-employer, that’s part of the benefit of setting up shop in this state, unless you are in a union.
Rhodell was fired because Radio One (Praise Gospel)didn’t value him, he wasn’t worth someone fighting for him. I don’t know what he did, but he didn’t have to be fired…trust me if one of the higher profile (more valued) air personalities on the station did exactly what Rhodell “did”…see how they handle it. To be an air personality in a major market like Atlanta with no contract, that says a lot about your worth to the company. And if you have no value, no one is going to fight for you.
Concerned
September 15th, 2011
10:58 am
Rhodell, God has brought you from a mighty long way over the years. News Reporters and Radio Engineers have a diificult time with the owners of the media outlets. The viewers and listeners are the acessment needs to determine your value to the company. Your dignity and respect of your work, obligation and responsibilities and appreciaton to the people are the key virutes in sustaining a postive career in media. Sometimes in this arena, we get caught up in being deemed “celebrity” and forget about our humbleness. required by God. Everyone who works in the Gospel Arena is not always fire baptised feel with the holy ghost. It is a business, a job to many. We place Pastors, Gospel Artisits etc., on high. Rhodell sit back take a good look at what you have experience, you know what took place and why. Yes, Georgia is an “at will” state and unemployment benefit guidelines have changed, but majority of the compaines do share with you why you are being terminiated. There are three major components of getting terminated out of radio: low ratings by Amitron, Payola (money behind the back door to push a product or program) and proven sexual harassment. Truly a man of character did niether. God will take care of you.
Will
September 15th, 2011
11:00 am
Jamal Paris is not somehow involved in this? is he? LOL
CommonSenseRules
September 15th, 2011
11:13 am
To NAME: Being an agnostic or an atheist does not give one license to be a bigot! Sorry that you are so miserable. Perhaps angry with “your” God???
Rob
September 15th, 2011
11:14 am
I think it’s wrong to terminate peoples employment based on accusation alone and no investigation to confirm. I went through that in the past. And as an attorney, I STRONGLY urge him to follow through with a lawsuit. Make PRAISE answer why he was terminated. They will not want to say they fired him because of unfounded accusations in front of a judge.
A Fan
September 15th, 2011
11:42 am
It’s so much hate on the blogs and they don’t personally know the man or the events in questions. Some people are saying he is reaping what he has sown; but how do you know that? In the Book of Job – his (3) so-called friends thought so to and wanted Job to confess his sins. But at the end of the story they found out that Job’s calamity wasn’t about Job but a discussion between God & Satan. Also, you can look at the story of Joseph – who was sold into Slavery by his jealous brothers, Lied on by his boss wife & sent to prison for something he did NOT do and then forgotten about.
Be blessed Rhodell. Weeping may endure for a night but Joy cometh in the morning. Keep the Faith.
Real Radio listener
September 15th, 2011
12:43 pm
For all the “Real” gospel station listners… a former Gospel DJ use to say… “When the Lord closes a door He will open a window.. and someway.. somehow… HIS love will seep through”. Rhodell keep your head up!! You have TOOO MANY folks that love you and want the best for you.
blkshepherd
September 15th, 2011
1:07 pm
Will
Eddie Long is gonna Punch you in the Head. Jamal belongs to him and him alone! Didnt You READ Jamals’ comments recently saying he “thought he was the ONLY ONE” sounds like a Spurned Lover if you ask me..but what do I know? Your looking to get stomped in the head by Eddie( I got five stones and I haven thrown one yet! This thing I am gonna FIGHT! HA! Some FIGHT! He through Money Instead)
After all, Eddie Long says he feels like David or is it Feeling on David, hmm I forget which it is. Feeling a lil Messy myself today
ROOF!
blkshepherd
September 15th, 2011
1:10 pm
Correction for the Spell Police..should have read ” Threw, not through” I am sure Eddie Longstroke with the Fat Check book knew what I meant
A son
September 15th, 2011
2:51 pm
Many of the comments are very saddening, we quickly forget that the body of Christ is made up of all believers that are in Christ (some mature and some being matured or carnal) according to the Apostle Paul. If we were not there then we cannot authentically say whether he is innocent or guilty. Let us be reminded that we are encouraged by Christ to love one another and by James to not allow blessings and curses to come out of the same mouth. And to Ulice who was offended, I apologize on behalf of the body of Christ that you were offended. Let us pray for Rodell and Praise 97.5 that their lives and actions be pleasing unto the Lord
The Point
September 15th, 2011
10:42 pm
Many millions have been killed in the name of atheism, Ulice. Look up Stalin and Mao who claimed they were acting as the highest authority.
Ms.Simon
September 16th, 2011
8:12 am
The only thing I miss about Rhodell Lewis being gone is his Theme Song. He needs to take speech class immediately. He definitely has a FACE for radio. He’s been on every gospel station in Atlanta for very “short” periods of time. It’s no tellin what he got fired for.
On to the next DJ……….
carla roqs
September 16th, 2011
9:01 am
i wish i were perfect like most of the people commenting on this blog. i wish i could throw stones. i wish i were an omniscient creature so that i would fit in with this crowd. if i were a republican i would be wonderful or hated. if i were a democrat i would be fantastic or vile. if i were AA, i would be either an elitist or angry and ignorant. if i were white, i would be arrogant or crass and stupid. unfortunately, i am me: i feel all people are equal. it is not about grammar, it is not about political affiliation, it is not about religious creed–it is about treating others how you want to be treated and trying…at least TRYING to be fair. best wishes to r lewis.
ContinuedSuccess
September 16th, 2011
9:15 am
I was wondering where he was!!! I sure will miss him on the drive home. He played some of the BEST gospel in the city.
Cracker
September 16th, 2011
12:15 pm
Hahaha. Trailer park? If you read MY post, then read others’, like “Laquandra’s”…we’ll see who lives where. I’m a hard-working, educated, literate home OWNER. Just because you don’t like hearing the truth doesn’t make me a trailer dweller. I love it when people criticize my posts. It shows I have hit a nerve.
quintivious' mama
September 16th, 2011
2:35 pm
honey, i do not judge you, no idea who/what/where insulted you. but, i can tell you this: “laquandra” is not Black. and probably is not a female either.
KLee
September 16th, 2011
4:01 pm
The state of “Tennessee” is an “at will” state as well, but I personally know of someone very near and dear to me who hired an attorney after being wrongfully terminated and the hospital settled with her out of court. And “at will” means what again?…
TheLazyComic
September 16th, 2011
4:37 pm
I wish Rhodell Lewis the best of luck with his fight. (Well, at least I hope he has better luck than I did when I tried to fight ABC/Disney… I couldn’t even get an attorney who wanted to stand up to big and powerful mouse).
FAITHFUL FAN
September 23rd, 2011
6:46 pm
I have followed you Rhodell from the WAOK days and to Praise 102.5. What the Devil has for your harm, God has already turned it for your GOOD! Praise 102.5 has loss a special jewel and a faithful listener. NO MORE RHODELL IN THE ATL, NO MORE FAITHFUL FAN TO BOOST THE RATING. SATAN IS RUNNING EVERYWHERE TO STILL, KILL AND DESTROY. OUR RHODELL WILL RISE AGAIN. YOU WILL BE MISSED RHODELL!
Sarah
September 26th, 2011
7:40 am
Rhodell is a wolf in sheep clothing. Rhodell has a very prideful spirit. PRIDE comes before a Fall. I seen this coming. The same people you meet on the way up are the same one’s you will see on your way down. God has his on way of Humbling us!