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ESPN Anchorwoman Trashes Jesus Christ

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According to some news and sports websites, ESPN anchorwoman Dana Jacobson graphically attacked Jesus Christ at a recent roast of her colleagues; she was reportedly intoxicated. At the January 11 event, Jacobson roared from the podium, "F*** Notre Dame," "F*** Touchdown Jesus," and finally "F*** Jesus."

Commenting on this, Catholic League president Bill Donohue said on Tuesday:

"When pressed on this issue, ESPN's response is to e-mail a statement by Jacobson, which includes the following: ‘My remarks about Notre Dame were foolish and insensitive. I respect all religions and did not mean anything derogatory by my poorly chosen words.'

"This response fails on several counts. First, there is no evidence that ESPN is taking this matter seriously. Are we to believe that her hate speech is of no consequence? Her comments were not made at a private function, rather they were made at a public event where she represented ESPN. Second, it is worth recalling that it was during a luncheon interview that Jimmy ‘The Greek' Snyder made his racist remarks about blacks, and CBS Sports promptly fired him anyway. Third, it is also important to note that being drunk didn't help Mel Gibson's case when he made bigoted remarks about Jews.

"Then there is the matter of Jacobson's so-called apology. By far the most offensive thing she said, ‘F*** Jesus,' isn't even addressed! It is obvious, then, that neither Jacobson nor ESPN is dealing with this matter in a professional way. To put this issue behind them, ESPN must deal with this issue quickly, publicly and fairly, something it has yet to do. After all, most Christians are yet unaware of this event, but once they learn of it, they are sure to demand accountability."

Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented yesterday (Wednesday) on the ongoing issue involving ESPN anchorwoman Dana Jacobson:

"We know that Jacobson said ‘F*** Notre Dame' at the January 11 celebrity roast for radio personalities Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic. We also know that ESPN has suspended her for a week as a result. What we don't know is whether, as reported on some websites, she also said ‘F*** Jesus' at the event. If she did, then that changes everything.

"I have a call into a top official at ESPN on this matter. He will be asked to verify what is on the video. If Jacobson did say, ‘F*** Jesus,' then the penalty in force is obviously inadequate: it is one thing to use an obscenity to rip a Catholic university, quite another to use the vilest of terms about Jesus. Our curiosity was heightened when an ESPN official whom we've already spoken to refused to confirm or deny that Jacobson said ‘F*** Jesus.' If she didn't, then all they need to do is make the video public-put it on YouTube. If she did, then it looks like we might be dealing with a cover up.

"One way or the other, we are going to get to the bottom of this. The official whom I called is traveling today, and so it would be unfair to list his name and e-mail address as the person to contact. But one person whose name I can list-he spoke to Catholic League Director of Communications Kiera McCaffrey last night-is Chris LaPlaca, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications."

Contact: chris.laplaca@espn.com

Comments

  1. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    Wile a severe penalty, such as a heavy fine or a firing might seem to be what we should ask for, I am more inclined to think that asking her to do 500 hours – in 8 hour blocks one day a week – at a one of Mother Theresa's soup kitchens would be far better.  It would allow here punishment to be reparative and it would help her see why Jesus and the Catholic Church are to be admired.

  2. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    Bill, you're a great American!

  3. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    To me what is distressing about this is that two media types were fired or suspended over "racist" remarks and a magazine cover.  Rev Al Sharpton himself has asked or was it demanded that both of these employees be fired over their comments.

    I don't support the use of any racists remarks for any reason.  They just aren't right.  But why is the racist issue getting more press than this?  Common sense tells anyone that derogatory or obscene comments about Jesus are far more worse than a racist remark.  But yet if it wasn't for Bill Donahue we may never have heard about this. 

    Thanks to the Catholic League for bringing this to our attention. 

    Do we as Catholics need to boycott ESPN and ABC? 

    Do the advertisers on ESPN have knowledge of this?

    Tarheel (Dave)

  4. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    She was drunk and made a spectacle of herself in public.  I think the media attention and embarassment is punishment enough.  While I find her comments offensive, it was a private party and not a public statement.  Let us remember Mel Gibson's unfortunate episodes — alcohol can make civilized people do and say very regrettable things…

  5. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    If it was private then we wouldn't be reading about it here. People use vile language when drunk because there's vileness inside. Media attention is not punishment but more notoriety. I think it's time she got roasted.

  6. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    Every Catholic men's conference in the nation should support a write in campaign to get this woman fired. Words have meaning and this woman should be held accountable for her profaning of Christ. Period.

  7. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    Even if it was private and between 2 people, you could probably still read it here. Think blue dress and cigar. If it was even semi-public, bashing Jesus has unfortunately become the way for the not funny to say something "funny". Be offended, write in and make your opinion known. Do I think it's a firing offense? No. Too often we are a zero tolerance society, circumventing the idea of repentance and forgiveness. Our society currently tolerates the most heinous acts, yet cries foul at a fever pitch over the lesser.

    Don't pretend to know what's in someone's heart. She may be a devout anti-Christian, she may be a fool confirming her foolishness for all to hear. Only God knows.

    Just as we know that we will be hated by some for following Him. Look at it this way, if you're being hated, you are on the right path.

  8. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    I sent the following e-mail to the above link

    Dear Sir,
    Are the reports true about Ms. Jacobson? Did she use that word in reference to Notre Dame, a touchdown, and Jesus?
    This is the reply:

    Thank you taking the time to write.

    Ms. Jacobson's inappropriate comments were delivered in the context of Notre Dame football and its Touchdown Jesus icon . They were wrong and inexcusable , and she was suspended from her duties. Her uncharacteristic behavior was not aimed at a particular religious faith. They took place at an adult-only roast that was not aired on any ESPN outlet.

    We appreciate your giving us the opportunity to respond.

    Sincerely,

    ESPN Viewer Response

  9. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    I guess it's a good thing for her Jesus isn't black!

  10. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    Catholic League president Bill Donohue has posted these further comments on the Dana Jacobson episode that took place at the January 11 celebrity roast of radio personalities Mike and Mike:

    "On January 22, I said in a news release that ‘there is no evidence that ESPN is taking this matter seriously.' I am happy to say that after speaking to two ESPN officials today, and having learned more about exactly what happened, that they are in fact taking this matter seriously. Indeed, I am convinced that what occurred at the roast will not happen again.

    "To be sure, Jacobson's remarks were patently offensive; no one involved in this incident, including her, is maintaining otherwise. But it is also true that there is no evidence that what we are dealing with is a bigot-lots of people who have made bigoted comments are not inveterate bigots. No, what we are dealing with is a person who went off the rails while drunk at a raucous event.

    "The ESPN officials whom I spoke to answered the questions I had to my satisfaction. Therefore, as far as the Catholic League is concerned, this matter is over."

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