It smells like a management cover up.

Quote of the Day at www.lauraingraham.com: “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me….You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world.”

The person quoted is Walt Disney.

But, I suspect, the person figuratively “kick[ed] in the teeth” recently is Laura Ingraham and the contemptible kicker is TRN management.

The Quote of the Day in Laura’s latest Eblast “From the Wilderness” supports that suspicion: “I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig, you get dirty; and besides, the pig likes it. --George Bernard Shaw.”

When Laura first posted an explanation for her unwanted recent absence from her show, she stated: “Due to contractual obligations, for the present time I am unable to reveal why I am not currently hosting The Laura Ingraham Show. Rest assured, this absence is not of my choosing, nor is it health or family related….”

After some false explanations circulated, Laura posted this further explanation: “The decision to remove the Laura Ingraham Show from the airwaves was made unilaterally by Talk Radio Network as a tactic in contract negotiations, against my will and over my protest.”

There’s much more to it, I suspect.

TRN management may have cleverly included a clause in its contract with Laura requiring resolution of disputes confidentially in arbitration.

Emailers have reported receiving phony excuses and false information when they protested Laura's absence.

So why the lies and what is TRN management covering up?

If TRN management is not covering up, then TRN should publicly release Laura from those restrictive “contractual obligations”?

If TRN management doesn't do that, then listeners will draw the obvious inferences.

This emailer had sound advice for TRN Management:

“Let me STRONGLY recommend returning Laura Ingraham to her program ASAP.

“Laura is a hot commodity, and you're hurting your brand by pulling her. SHE is in demand. SHE will continue to climb in her visibility and her influence... with or without TRN. It is to TRN's benefit to keep her with you and on air.

“Laura has a loyal following, and if TRN is perceived to be slighting her... don't be surprised to see ratings drops for other TRN personalities. Remember - she is your anchor. Your powerhouse. I can't cite numbers, but in terms of overall media influence she outstrips Savage, Hendrie, Doyle, and Bruce COMBINED.

“I don't know what TRN is trying to accomplish by locking her out, but it is rallying her supporters and damaging the reputation of TRN in the Conservative Community.”

TRN owes Laura an apology and should hasten to make amends to her.

It better, for its own sake.

As another emailer put it: “I have noticed that Laura has taken a harder line, is going on offense and now has her ‘A’ game back. With thousands of Ingraham supporters hammering affiliates, sponsors and TRN HQ, I think a positive resolution will be forthcoming. Laura will prevail and be an even stronger communicator and leader.”

Amen!