FIRST OFF . . .

‘Tis the season to be litigious. . . .

An eastern Pennsylvania radio personality is suing shock-talk show host Morton Downey Jr. for $100 million, saying he was physically assaulted by Downey during a public debate about gun control. Bob Pagani, known to his listeners on the Easton, Pa., radio station WQQQ-FM as Uncle Bob, said Wednesday Downey tackled him during a live show Saturday night before an audience of 1,500 people--forcing Pagani to wear a neck brace and to consult a chiropractor. Pagani said he began to feel aches and pains Sunday in his legs and neck. He filed suit Tuesday in Northampton County Common Pleas Court, alleging assault and battery, intent to inflict emotional distress and punitive damages. Missy Tshudy, a spokeswoman for the “Morton Downey Show,� said from the program’s studio in Newark, N.J.: “We have no comment.�