ESPN Shelves Host for ‘F***Jesus’ Rant

Sources report 1-week suspension day after group publicized protest

http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=3099

WorldNetDaily.com

ESPN has issued a one-week suspension to anchorwoman Dana Jacobson for a profane rant at a celebrity roast in which she said, “F*** Jesus,” according to sources.

The Chicago Tribune said the sports TV network declined to confirm the suspension, but ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said, “Her actions and comments were inappropriate and we’ve dealt with it.”

The news came one day after WND reported a Catholic advocacy group charged the sports TV network had failed to take appropriate action and did not offer a sufficient apology for Jacobson’s outburst, in which she “attacked Jesus Christ.”

Jacobson, reportedly intoxicated, was speaking Jan. 11 at an event in Atlantic City, N.J., to honor ESPN Radio personalities Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic when she said, “F*** Notre Dame,” “F*** Touchdown Jesus” and finally “F*** Jesus.” “Touchdown Jesus” is the popular moniker for a mural on Notre Dame’s library featuring Jesus raising his arms.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue said yesterday he pressed ESPN on the issue and received an e-mail with an unsatisfactory statement by Jacobson.

…”First, there is no evidence that ESPN is taking this matter seriously,” Donohue said prior to today’s news. “Are we to believe that her hate speech is of no consequence?”

…Secondly, he pointed out, racist remarks by the late sports commentator Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder during a luncheon interview in 1988 resulted in his prompt firing by CBS, despite an apology.

Donohue added, “It is also important to note that being drunk didn’t help Mel Gibson’s case when he made remarks about Jews.”

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59838

2008-01-26