PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh-area sports radio host Mark Madden has been permanently taken off the air by ESPN.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette quoted Madden as saying that he had hoped Sen. Edward Kennedy "would live long enough to be assassinated." The Massachusetts Democrat has a malignant brain tumor.

Madden made the remark during his show Wednesday. The show has aired weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m. on 1250 ESPN. Madden was last heard on the air Thursday, the day before his comments appeared in the newspaper.

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said the network removed Madden from the air "pursuant to our contractual rights." He said the comment was inappropriate and that ESPN and Madden had apologized to listeners.

Madden could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.