Former WJLA Sports Director Rene Knott Resigned From St. Louis TV Station After HR Probe

St. Louis Magazine reports that former WJLA Sports Director and longtime KSDK anchor Rene Knott says he was asked to resign from the Tegna NBC affiliate in St. Louis following an HR investigation into comments he allegedly made about guns and violence. Co-workers reportedly raised concerns after Knott made remarks about “getting his AK-47” and other statements that some found troubling. Knott denies the claims, saying his words were taken out of context and insisting, “I’ve never touched a gun.”

Knott, who had been with KSDK for 21 years, said he was stunned by the accusations and disappointed to be forced out. “If no one believes me after all these years, why would I want to work in that environment?” he told St. Louis Magazine.

KSDK has not commented beyond a brief on-air mention thanking Knott “for his energy and dedication.”