Posted on 01/26/2008 4:08:59 AM PST by Man50D
A dozen protesters marched in front of ESPN headquarters in Bristol today, calling for the firing of on-air personality Dana Jacobson for comments she made at a recent roast.
Jacobson, co-host of the "ESPN First Take" morning show, was disciplined by her employer after an expletive-laden speech. She was suspended one week.
The protesters, some from local churches, carried placards with messages that read: "ESPN , Say No to Hate Speech," and "Fairness in the Media."
Robert Muckle, 77, drove from Waterbury to Bristol to take part in the protest after reading about Jacobson's remarks in the newspaper.
"It's such a shame to disgrace Jesus and to take his name in vain," Muckle said.
ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys confirmed Friday that Jacobson was suspended for a week. He said ESPN will not fire her.
"What she said was wrong and her comments were inappropriate, but we don't believe she should be fired," Soltys said. Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, the director of the Christian Defense Coaltion, said that doesn't go far enough.
"Hate speech and religious bigotry should have no place in the workpace," said Mahoney, as he held a "Dana, We Forgive You" poster. Mahoney agrued that if Jacobson had offended Jews, African Americans, or homosexuals, ESPN would have fired her immediately. "ESPN is not using the same standard for religious hate," Mahoney said.
ESPN commentators shared the stage with actors and athletes Jan. 11 in Atlantic City to celebrate the eighth anniversary of "Mike & Mike in the Morning" co-hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg. The point was to spout off edgy jokes.
Asked whether the network planned to rethink its policy regarding employees taking part in such events, Soltys said, "We won't be participating in another roast anytime soon."
Jacobson's speech included obscenities aimed at Notre Dame, with Irish football coach Charlie Weis in attendance.
An article in The Press of Atlantic City the next day said that Jacobson "made an absolute fool of herself, swilling vodka from a Belvedere bottle, mumbling along and cursing like a sailor as Mike & Mike rested their heads in their hands in embarrassment." She was booed off the stage.
In a statement released through ESPN, Jacobson called her comments about Notre Dame "foolish and insensitive."
"My actions at the roast were inappropriate and in no way represent who I really am," she said. "I have personally apologized to many of the people involved. I won't make excuses for my behavior but do hope that I can be forgiven for such a poor lack of judgment."
ESPN released a statement calling her actions and comments inappropriate. Soltys said the network doesn't comment on personnel matters beyond saying she was disciplined.
Notre Dame spokesman Dennis Brown said, "While we in no way condone Ms. Jacobson's comments, we're aware of the circumstances in which they occurred, and, in the interest of forgiveness, trust that she and ESPN have addressed the matter in an appropriate way."
Jacobson's remarks came just two days after another TV anchor was suspended for offensive language. Golf Channel suspended Kelly Tilghman for two weeks for saying on air that young players who wanted to challenge Tiger Woods should "lynch him in a back alley."
We should pray that she makes derogatory statements about islam or some other protected religion, and then she would be fired.
A dozen?!?! Wow, the Christians are really showing ESPN...
You guys need a Christian Al Sharpton (and I don’t mean that in the negative sense), somebody who can get dozens or hundreds of people that the cameras can’t ignore.
In a sense... this makes the argument for a-la-carte channel selections from cable TV companies. We could simply vote with our wallets. Dropping every ESPN channel from our cable lineups would prompt ESPN to be somewhat more proactive in dealing with this situation.
LLS
I wouldn’t call him a “Christian Al Sharpton” but Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League is someone who doesn’t tolerate anti-Christian antics. If you click on the link below you can see where Donohue addressed ESPN on this issue and received an apology from Jacobson & ESPN. He accepted Jacobson’s apology and felt that “this matter is over.”
http://www.catholicleague.org/
Just canned?She’d be in hiding for thr rest of her miserable life after the fatwas were issued.The muzzies would cut her to pieces and feed her to the dogs.
I had always thought Christians were taught to “turn the other cheek”
This is what I got when I wrote them..
Dana Jacobson’s actions and comments during the Mike and Mike roast were inappropriate and she has been disciplined.
Dana extends her deepest apology and asked that we send you her comment: “I am very sorry. My remarks about Notre Dame were foolish and insensitive. I respect all religions and did not mean anything derogatory by my poorly chosen words. I also deeply regret the embarrassment I have caused ESPN and Mike and Mike. My actions at The Roast were inappropriate and in no way represent who I really am. I have personally apologized to many of the people involved. I won’t make excuses for my behavior but do hope that I can be forgiven for such a poor lack of judgment.”
We appreciate you giving us the opportunity to respond.
Sincerely,
ESPN Viewer Response
Implying that there could be anything positive about poverty pimp/snake oil huckster Sharpton is absurd.
There is a time to speak out and be heard.
Interesting that FREPPERS want her fired, but do not want people fired that are to their liking.
Interesting that FREPPERS want her fired, but do not want people fired that are to their liking.
She Said F+++ Jesus Christ.. thats pretty Low...
yes we do turn the other cheek but that doesn’t mean we have to be the world’s doormat.
People are just too sensitive these days. It’s like they’re looking for something to be offended about.
Fired? She'd have to go into hiding if she wanted to continue breathing
Yeah, I really didn’t like it either, but couldn’t think of a better way to make my point.
Are you aware of her actual remarks? No one has to "look for" the offenses she blurted out...she spit them in everyones face
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