Protest At ESPN(Christian Groups Demands Dana Jacobson Be Fired)

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."

Given that Jacobson is probably Jewish, I doubt she spends a lot of time wondering about salvation the same as we might.

But I disagree with you about whether or not Christians should protest or take action when their religion is denigrated.

I wholeheartedly belive we should.

I had emailed EPSN with comments about this issue and surprisingly I just got a reply..read below.

The bottom part is my original email. After having been suspended for her actions at a roast a few weeks ago, Ms. Jacobson returned to work on January 28 and again offered an apology and asked for forgiveness:

Apology from Dana Jacobson on ESPN's First Take - 1/28/08:

"Before we do start First Take, there is something that I want to address. There has been a lot of attention surrounding my inappropriate behavior and comments at a roast earlier this month of my friends Mike (Greenberg) and Mike (Golic). I want to once again say how truly sorry I am for my poor choices and bad judgment that night. I have taken responsibility for what I did say and do and realize why it was wrong.

"There are no do-overs in life, so all I can do is what we all do when we make mistakes - learn from them. As a person, and even a broadcaster, I can tell you I have already learned a lot from mine. Several people told me last week mistakes do not define us. It is how we respond to those mistakes that does. I believe that. I hope you can forgive me and allow my future to define me.

"Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, and viewers who have shown me support during this difficult time. Most importantly, ESPN, for its unwavering support and the opportunity to return to this job. The job that I love. Now it is time to get back to that job."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My original email to ESPN

Dana Jacobson's ugly remark about Jesus As a Christian and a Catholic I am offended by Dana Jacobson's use of the words F**k Jesus in remarks she recently made. I am a sports fan and watch ESPN on many occasions, but as of today I will no longer be watching ESPN nor will I choose the products advertised by your network until Dana Jacobson is removed from her position and punished.

A former fan of ESPN

I emailed a reply saying that this did not address the central issue and in my mind the matter was still on the table.

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