My Answer From ESPN (Dana Jacobsen Jesus Rant)

1/23/08 | myself

[Oshkalaboomboom]

After reading articles here on Dana Jacobsen's drunken anti-Christian rant at a celebrity roast, posted here among other places:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1957067/posts

I wrote to ESPN to complain about her behavior. Here is the response from ESPN:

Dear Thomas,

Thank you for your message. Here is what I know about Dana Jacobsen's behavior at the Mike and Mike roast. On Jan. 12, The Press of Atlantic CIty ran a story that included a description of Jacobsen's drunken behavior the previous night, saying she had made a "fool of herself" on stage, "mumbling along and cursing like a sailor as Mike & Mike rested their heads in their hands in embarrassment." In the wake of that report, ESPN issued a statement saying,"Her actions were totally inappropriate and we have dealt with it." Dana herself issued a statement saying, "I deeply regret any embarrassment I have caused ESPN, Mike and Mike, and any of my fellow roasters. My actions were inappropriate and in no way represent who I really am. I have personally apologized to many of the people involved but know I can never take back that evening. I won't make excuses for my behavior but do hope that I can be forgiven for such a poor lack of judgment.

Then, on Jan 18, Deadspin.com posted a report saying a "tipster" alleged that what the Press of Atlantic CIty had only called mumblings included a string of specific offensive and blasphemous statements. Other blogs have picked up that report and repeated the tipster's account, but as far as I can determine, there has been no video confirming the specifics of what she said, and no reports in the mainstream press, on deadspin or on other blogs saying that anyone else at the roast has confirmed the specific quotes attributed to Jacobsen by Deadspin's tipster. I alerted ESPN to the mail I received from you and others in response to the wide dissemination of the allegation.

ESPN issued a revised statement saying,"Her actions and comments were inappropriate and we have dealt with it." Dana expanded her statement, saying "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."

That is what I know, so I can neither confirm or deny the specifics of what Jacobsen said, but her own apology indicates both the offensiveness of her remarks, that they at least had the tenor of religious slurs, and that she deeply regrets her behavior that night. Her remarks were not made on air, but they were made at an ESPN-affiliated charity event. They have tarnished her reputation and ESPN's, jeopardized her career, and whether there will be any further ramifications of the events of that night may well depend on how people respond to her plea for forgiveness.

Thanks again,

Le Anne Schreiber

[tioga]

I knew I would get myself into trouble. It was a small program with only a half dozen men at a small isolated monastary. Haven’t got any requests for money in some time from them. Maybe 5-10 years. I am curious though and will see if I can still find it.

[tioga]

Website for Graymoor.

[TennTuxedo]

The last time I saw a mug like that was in a bag of oats on the Mr. Ed Show.

[Clive]

Just a word in defence of soldiers:

Yes, single men in barracks do have a way with words.

But I submit that the language used by civilians is generally much coarser than that used by soldiers when speaking in polite company. In watching soldiers relating to civilians, what usually strikes me is the generally respectful and courteous manner usually displayed by the soldier.

The young recruit is 'appy -- 'e throws a chest to suit;
You see 'im grow mustaches; you 'ear 'im slap 'is boot;
'E learns to drop the "bloodies" from every word 'e slings,
An' 'e shows an 'ealthy brisket when 'e strips for bars an' rings.

The cruel-tyrant-sergeants they watch 'im 'arf a year;
They watch 'im with 'is comrades, they watch 'im with 'is beer;
They watch 'im with the women at the regimental dance,
And the cruel-tyrant-sergeants send 'is name along for "Lance"

From "the 'eathen" by Rudyard Kipling

[Zuben Elgenubi]

I bet if Jackie Mason said the same things, sober or drunk, he'd get away with it. Or Dennis Miller for that matter.

She;s toast and ESPN will determine when she leaves.

[NCC-1701]

She’d better hit her knees and start saying a boatload of “Our Father’s” and “Hail Mary’s”. Lightning might be forthcoming otherwise.

[mlizzy]

What a lengthy reply; why didn't they spell her name correctly?

Fighting Irish Thomas has commented on the "Dana Debacle" and his two posts on ESPN's Dana Jacobson can be found here.