ESPN Host Returns to Airwaves after Anti-Jesus Tirade

By Nathan Black, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, January 29, 2008

ESPN host Dana Jacobson went back on the air Monday, beginning her TV show with an on-air apology for her recent anti-Jesus remarks.

"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," Jacobson said.

Christian groups protested ESPN last week when they felt it was slow to take disciplinary action against Jacobson for her anti-Christian tirade on Jan. 11 at a roast in Atlantic City, N.J. There, Jacobson, who was reportedly intoxicated during the event, made such remarks as "F*** Notre Dame," "F***Touchdown Jesus," "F***Jesus."

Both ESPN and Jacobson have called the behavior inappropriate and inexcusable and apologized for the incident. The anchorwoman was suspended for one week.

But some Christian groups say the temporary suspension was not enough and have asked for her to be fired or suspended for one year.

The Christian Anti-Defamation Commission was working to hold a meeting of pro-family leaders and ESPN's executive leadership. Mike Soltys, executive vice president of Communications for ESPN, however, said no more meetings will be held and no more disciplinary actions will be taken against Jacobson.

"We are very disappointed with ESPN's response to our legitimate concerns," said Dr. Gary L. Cass of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission in a released statement Tuesday. "Christians must respond or expect more of this kind of blasphemy in public in the future."

Cass was also not moved by Jacobson's on-air apology.

"Only three of the 13 sentences were in any way even slightly apologetic," said Cass.

In her apology before co-hosting the "First Take" program, Jacobson said she has learned from her mistakes and asked the public to forgive her.

"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," she said.

"Several people told me last week mistakes do not define us. It is how we respond to those mistakes that does. I believe that," she continued. "I hope you can forgive me and allow my future to define me."

In earlier apologies, the "First Take" co-host said she respects all religions and did not mean anything derogatory by her "poorly chosen words." ESPN affirmed that the comments were delivered in the context of Notre Dame football and its "Touchdown Jesus" icon.

While Jacobson thanked ESPN for giving her the opportunity to return to the job, the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission is calling people of faith to contact ESPN and "register their disgust."