MAHWAH, NJ — Joe Benigno is back talking sports.

The embattled WFAN radio host returned to the airwaves Monday following a two-month leave after an ex-CBS advertising executive Lauren Lockwood filed a lawsuit against him for alleged sexual harassment, NJ.com reported. "I'm thrilled to be back with you guys, everybody here," said Benigno, a Mahwah resident. "The outpouring of support has been off the charts. Obviously, it hasn't been an easy time for me at all. Obviously, I can't comment on any of this."

Benigno said he learned a lot about himself while away from the station and midday show partner, Evan Roberts. "You do a lot of self-searching," Benigno said. "One of the things I've learned is how lucky I am to be a part of this program, the radio station."

Benigno said he missed the listeners and thanked callers for their support. He said he could not have been back on a better day as the New York Jets and starting quarterback Sam Darnold prepare to play their season-opener against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football tonight. In her lawsuit, Lockwood alleges that Benigno sought to have "threesomes" with her, his wife and prostitutes, according to an NJ.com report, which referenced the lawsuit. Benigno also allegedly showed Lockwood a nude photo of his wife with a prostitute."

Newsday reported that Benigno, according to the lawsuit, ranked female co-workers based on their physical appearance, and discussed his alleged sexual relationship with another co-worker. Some of these conversations allegedly occurred in front of a human resources executive, according to the lawsuit.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com