Q: Bob Beckel has not been seen on “The Five” for weeks. Why is that?
—Bob Presley, Jonesboro
A: Beckel, a co-host of "The Five," a show on Fox News, originally was out while recovering from back surgery, but the network confirmed in late April that he had entered a "rehab facility for treatment of an addiction to prescription pain medication."
“His relapse developed over the last several months as he tried to cope with extensive back pain before and after he underwent major back surgery,” Fox News wrote in a statement. “We hope our viewers and the public will respect Bob’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Beckel spoke about his recovery from alcohol and cocaine in July 2011, The Washington Times reported.
Q: Why is the SEC Network (part of ESPN) based in Charlotte, N.C.? Why not Atlanta or some other city within the SEC’s footprint?
—Shawn Lewis, Fairburn
A: ESPN already was broadcasting ESPNU out of what it calls its "state-of-the-art facility" in Charlotte and had room to expand to include the SEC Network, which went on air last year.
The two networks work well together and the cost of living is cheaper in Charlotte than Bristol, Conn., where ESPN is based, and other large cities, The Charlotte Observer reported last August.
The Charlotte facility is “easily accessible from across the SEC footprint” and receives “support from all of ESPN’s resources in Bristol, Conn.,” ESPN states on its website.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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