I dont want to condone her actions. Which was clearly wrong. But, if she was not officially representing ESPN in an official capacity. How can they legally do anything to her? Unless she has a moralitly cause in her contract.
-------------------------------------------------
Capt.,
Not sure who she was representing but it was a Mike & Mike Roast, there were a ton of ESPN people there so I'm thinking this has to have something to do with ESPN. But even if it isn't an official ESPN event, I don't think your employer has to have a legal case against you to impose some sort of discipline, especially when you're in a job like that where this contract could be your last one.
-- Bill O.

Who really cares what she said. It is funny how people who are involved with Catholocism and Christianity get so pissed when someone bad mouths them, but they do it to other religions. I am christian, but I certainly dont practice organized religion, and I hope she bad mouthed the Pope because talk about a false idol especially the during WWII when he supported Nazi Germany. I think she should keep her job and these crazy Christians should get over it.

Let's see, she said (X) Jesus and (X) notre Dame, ok suspend her for one week slap her on the wrist. Because those nice christians can forgive.

What do you think would be going on right now if she had said (X) Islam and (X) Allah, well I think you know my friend.
--------------------------------------
David,
A similar point was made by the group that is protesting.
-- Bill O.

I think its simple: anyone who wants Jacobson fired over something like this is absolutely crazy. Listen, I am not religious so maybe I am the wrong person to be commenting, but aren't people being a wee bit too sensitive here. She said (X) Jesus. So what? If she doesn't like Jesus, or even if she chooses to condemn him (which she wasn't), it should be her decision as a free person to do so. She has already been penalized by ESPN, but apparently with all the other real evil going on in the world, these people choose to ask for her firing. Its ridiculous. Clearly we are seeing people with their priorities way out of whack.

If your a Christian, Evangelical or some other form of Catholic, and you honestly love and worship Jesus, then shouldn't that be enough? Why must everyone wish such misfortune on someone who was clearly kidding and clearly drunk. Protesting and asking for her termination sounds like either a big waste of time or a lack of something better to do or both. Lets not forget the fact that Jesus' most redeeming quality was his forgiveness.

Well, at least she didn't attack Charlies's mentally challenged daughter. Of course they did pull the ESPN rep off the stage before she was finished.
------------------------------------
Note of clarification: The Weis are active on the issue of autism. Their daughter has been diagnosed as being autistic.
-- Bill O.

Everything I was taught in church abnout being a Christian involved forgiveness. Where is the forgiveness here? Touchdown Jesus is a false idol anyway. Let he who is without sin cast the fisrt stone. Those calling for her firing are sinning.

I love your Christ, I hate your Christians.

I personnaly know Dana and these remarks, although done in bad taste, are in no way a reflection of who she really is. Dana is the utmost professional and has a strong religious background. She would never intend to offend anyone. I feel bad for her lack of judgement at the time and knowing Dana, she, would do anything to make ammends to her employer, her fans, her public but most of all her family and friends. I know she didn't mean it to sound the way it came out...haven't we all been misunderstood? Especially when we have been drinking!?! I can assure you, Dana will probably NEVER drink alcohol at another function again! We still Love and believe in you Dana. Keep your chin up!

I think the key factor is that she was drunk. If she was sober and saying stuff about religious groups then it would be a different issue. Once someone is that drunk they probably have no idea what they are saying.

Maybe the bigger problem is that she has a drinking issue and needs to get herself cleaned up.

I do agree there is too much sensitivity on religion, and we are way too sensitive to avoiding criticizing some religions and others people seem free to do so.

To whomever wrote the previous comments, I personally do not know any Catholics who go around bad-mouthing other faiths and I know many Catholics. In fact, there are many programs which welcome people of all faiths. You know not of what you speak.
Bringing the Pope into it and things that happened over 40 years ago, and for which he apologized, is just plain nuts (and I am not even Catholic).
Secondly, using the name of Jesus or Allah or God in such a derogatory way is clearly insulting to people of all faiths, and there should be consequences. If no one takes responsibility for their actions (as is often the case these days), then society will continue to spiral down. "Being drunk" is not an excuse.
We will not be watching ESPN.

I have seen some people say some really stupid things ... at these celebrity roasts. While this was an ESPN roast. I dont believe it was intended for general viewing public, like some of the Dean Martin's roasts, which which were actually hilarious. Since it was not intended for general public viewing, its no more different than getting drunk and dancing on the table at the office christmas party. Not the correct thing to do, but it happens. We are getting to the point, with the politically correct police that its almost impossible to say anything without offending somebody. Larry the cable guy, said this same thing on a recent 60 minute interview. I dont remember the exact quote. But, basically, he said people have to stop being so PC and grow up and chill out and not get so wrapped up in somebody trying to be funny.

Quite frankly, if Dana had said (X) Islam or (X) Allah, there would probably be another Holy War or attack. As a neutral, independent, middle-of-the road person, I can't stand it when one group gets trashed - in this case, Catholics and the Pope. What is up with that?
As a person with a PhD in sociology and a master in human behavior, I must say that allowing anyone to behave that way and not apologizing immediately, is reprehensible. If she worked for a corp., she'd be out the door!
Some of the comments on this site seem to reflect the poor ideology that has become so commonplace. ESPN and ABC should be ashamed - they won't lose much by my not watching as I don't have cable and only watch Network TV when it shows sports events.
Mary M. Manchester, NH

I think the thing people are forgetting is that it was a ROAST! Out of line comments are what happens! Who's the chowderhead at ESPN that signed off on a roast in the first place? Maybe he or she should be canned for being so blind to what can happen at a ROAST! If you invite a reporter to play comedian for the night, how can you be surprised when she fails at it? She embarrassed herself by being loaded in front of coworkers, she doesn't owe anybody outside of that venue an apology.

I don't know if she should be fired or not. However, if she would have been slamming a specific race or other religions would she still have a job? Just because it is Christianity, does that somehow make it right? Will everyone who are taking the Christians to task on there stance here, will you take the same stance with everyone who wants the female reporter fired from the golf channel for here moronic statement about Tiger Woods? Also, remember when Rush Limbeau was fired for his comments about Black Quarterbacks. There is a precedent for companies firing employees for making comments that disparage a certain group. For ESPN it is a business decision. She is an employee who made these remarks. If they don't take a hard stand, they could be labeled as a (company) who tolerates this type of speach or has a double standard.

I assume that professionalism evolves with media and journalist along with all the professional atlethes that get penalies on every unprofessional action they made off the field or off the court. And being drunk is also not an excuse such as in Mel Gibson case. The point is respect to everyone's religion. Even the president of United States can't get away with what she said.

If Ms. Jacobson (like so many entertainment personalities) is under an employment contract with ESPN, there may be some limits on what they can do to her. Many employment contracts have "involuntary termination" provisions that are split between "for Cause" and "without Cause" reasons. Assuming she has these types of provisions, the key is whether actions like these would fit under a "for Cause" termination definition in her contract. It might. It might not. It all depends on the wording. If she were terminated for cause, she would likely forfeit any benefits she might otherwise be entitled to. If she is terminated without Cause, on the other hand, then she might be entitled to severance payments and other benefits negotiated before she signed the contract. "Cause" is a defined term in the contract, and just because we might say that her actions sure seem like Cause to us, it might not be depending on what was negotiated. Usually "Cause" involves things like breaking the law or engaging in sexual harrassment or something like that, but it can be extended to include moral issues or embarrassing statements.

A contract always changes the "at will" employer-employee relationship to which most of us are subject.

Isaiah Washington was fired last year for making anti-gay statements. Jacobson should absolutely be fired for her (X) Jesus remarks. Her actions have had a very negative impact on ESPN and their sponsors. This is not a freedom of speech issue, or "crazy Christians" wanting to retaliate. This is about a public figure who made grossly inappropriate, obscene, and offensive comments. I am a Christian, but I can truly say that if she had said "(X)-Islam", I would want to see her fired as well. This is not being over-sensitive. This is about actions and consequences. Jacobson made crude comments, thus embarrassing her employer, offending millions of people, and should face the appropiate concenquence, which is losing her job. I would think that ESPN would not want to keep an employee that offended a large portion of their viewers. Basic Business 101.

Seems like a double standard to me. They fired Isaiah Washington from Grey’s Anatomy for making an anti-gay remark (Isn't ESPN owned by ABC).

ESPN personalities are held with the upmost respect in sporting entertainment, they are held to the upmost respect due to their class and professionalism along with good personality. I feel that as an ESPN personality you automatically become a public figure. You accept the responsibility the job calls for as a public figure. Thus you must be appropriate when dealing with the general public. Dana Jacobson was inappropriate. A public figure should face the consequences. T.V. and radio personalities are who influence much of today’s youth. Letting her continue her career with ESPN would justify what she did and said (it) was ok. Thus send a message to the youth of today that you can get away not respecting others beliefs. Being fired would be the ultimate consequence which I do not object.

I'm not surprised that ESPN is not taking a stand against this behavior. It's just more proof that this country founded on Christian beliefs is on its way to Hell.

The Bible says:
"Galatians 6:7: “Be not deceived: God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Regardless of what happens to her here on earth, she will one day answer (to) ... Jesus Christ for her actions and so will the Executives of ESPN for not taking a stand against it.

Hmmm, I wonder if we would be so nonchalant if she'd said (X) Tiger Woods...Wonder if she would have gotten off so easy....Where is REVEREND Al Sharpton, or REVEREND Jesse Jackson when someone attacks their supposed faith? No worries, Christians are the last group you can openly bash in America, because we are supposed to forgive, even when you insult our God. So, I forgive her for her disrespect, and I hope the next time she is drunk, she picks her targets with more care.

The pope never supported nazi germany, and he hasn't apologized for it, because he never did so. Quit lying on this board and restrict your comments to the issue at hand.

Whether it be race, religion or sexual preference - all inflammatory or derrogatory remarks should be treated the same. What happened to the young man who made a gay joke and was relieved of his job on Grey's Anatomy? And wasn't this an ABC series?
And why, oh why is it now so funny to make fun of Christians. What shall we call this bias? There is anti-semitism, which any personality would pay dearly for making derrogatory statements about Judaism. There is an anti-Islamic bias, which any personality would pay dearly for making inflammatory statements about Islam. There is homo-phobia, which one young actor from an ABC series, Grey's Anatomy paid dearly for making a homo-phobic joke. Why are Christians now fair game???? And why the suspension rather than the firing. Shouldn't all types of statements and those who make them be treated equal, especially within the same umbrella organization?

IT WAS A ROAST!!!!! People say off-color, offensive, even vulgar things at roasts. The comments on the Comedy Channel roasts are outrageous, and those are the ones that are "fit" to be aired. You can only imagine the comments that were cut by the censors!!

If you are thin-skinned, you shouldn't be listening to comments made at a roast. If you go to a roast, or read/hear comments made at one, you should EXPECT to hear off-color stuff.

Just be thankful she didn't utter any anti-Judaic remarks or racial slurs. The (xxxx) would REALLY be hitting the fan then!!!!!

As an Irish Catholic I am not only offended by her remarks but to a greater degree the University itself for continuing to use the Moniker of a drunk Irishmen as their Mascot.
That face that appears as their Mascot is from the London Times in days of old , when they would refer to the Irishman as a "White Monkey".
The difference between both situations is this.
I dont care what people say about my Heritage or Religion.
I can defend myself and go to work each day to make mine and my families life better.

Can you say that about alot of other races, religions and creeds that cry about their luck and others remarks towards them??
I think not.

Tom Harris

Such a double standard. If this was any other religous group or minority it would be the biggest story on the news. My hometown newspaper in Corpus Christi, Texas has not even mentioned it as of today. And those who say she was drunk and it was not a public appearance, well how does this differ from Mel Gibson?

I have gotten several emails pertaining to this event and I happen to know that these christian groups are not as upset about the things she said as they are about the double standard ABC in particular has shown. They canned Isaiah Washington immediately for anti-gay comments but essentially gave Dana Jacobson a weeks 'vacation' for these comments.
This double standard is becoming the norm in our society today and why it's ok for someone to say it in ANY context really bothers me. Yes, we live in the USA- land of free speech, etc. but that doesn't mean you can run around saying whatever you want and not expect any repercussions. How is making an anti-Christian comment ok, but saying something about someones race or sexual orientation is not. What's the difference?? I'd REALLY like to know. (and apologies don't mean much anymore- say what u want now cuz you can throw a bandaid on it later with a public apology...tragic!)

Rush Limabaugh was presssured to resign for a much less controversial statement about Donavon Mcnabb

Dana Jacobson hates Christ,and that's
her choice.The issue is the liberal synagogue that runs ESPN and its parent network ABC either agree with her or don't care about her filthy mouth.If a non-Jew said "(X)... Jews" or "(X)... gays",almost everyone knows what the outcome would be.

Nice to see all the Left Wing Religious BIGOTS supporting this idiot - Where were they when ABC fired Isaiah Washington, star of ABC's show Grey's Anatomy, for his personal comments about gays??

It's sad that many companies (like ESPN and ABC) choose not to take action until public outcry demands it. Even Jacobson's lame one-week respite was a result of the public's reaction to her behavior. This again spotlights the moral decline in this country.

And to those who think that we Christians should simply "forgive" her and move on....remember that forgiveness does not mean that there will be no consequence to her actions. I can forgive her, but she will still reap what she sowes.

If you love Jesus fire ESPN, if you don't fire ESPN then don't pretend you love Jesus because you don't.

J. Shaw

The Notre Dame nickname came from racial slurs about Irish since the 1910s Notre Dame footbal teams were mostly Irish. Fighting Irish became the unofficial moniker because the opposing team's crowd, notably Northwestern in 1908, chanted "Kill the Fighting Irish". That's how they got the nickname. It isn't offensive. It is honoring a quasi-offensive nickname they earned.

As a Christian, I think we should let her keep her job. And forget sensitivity training. She should be assigned to do a story on religion and sports, interviewing coaches and players who profess particular religious beliefs. Let them be in her face just sharing with her. As a network, ESPN gets off too lightly. By docking her pay, they save money. They need to show good faith and commit to air the story or mini-series at prime time. It will cost them, but perhaps earn back some credibility as well.

Intoxicated or not. Mel Gibson was intoxicated when he made his remarks. Jacobson is no more excusable. We are no longer going to sit back and let improper anti-christian defamation continue. Jacobson needs to be fired.
Duane Baker, M.D.

Dear President Bodenheimer (ESPN):

ESPN and ABC should make a strong public apology for the actions of Jacobson, whether she's employed or contract.

If she'd said "(X) the gays", I'm sure you'd have been all over it and Jacobson would have been fired immediately. Oh well, that's the double-standard in our culture -- and ESPN and ABC are certainly a part it; it's a shame that you can't do any better.

I care about double standards. If these comments were directed at Jews or African Americans, or Muslims the outrage would continue for weeks. Law suits would be filed, it would be blasted over the news 24/7. I dare any TV personality to say anything derogatory against the Jews,Gays,Muslims,African Americans, and see were their career ends up. I'm drunk right now so I guess I can say &@#$%%$.

I got e-mails from ESPN after I complained and they said they repremanded and suspended her. How can they suspend someone if they don't employ them. I also e-mailed the FCC because they have laws against what she did and ESPN did by airing it. The FCC e-mailed me and said they were going to investigate the issue and gave me a complaint # and sent me a PDF file describing the laws that she and ESPN violated. ESPN violated by not BEEPING the VULGARITY. Every one should file complaints with the FCC and let them know that we as Christians are not going to stand by and let the world blaspheme our Lord an Savior! The Muslim community would really take action against ESPN if they allowed National coverage of talk against Alah!
-----------------------------------------------
Clarification: The roast was not broadcast as far as I know. The small amount of video that has emeregd appears to be homemade with a camcorder or a cell camera and does not include Jacobson. There are some still images allegedly of Jacobson at the roast that appear to belong to Icon Sports Media but it's not clear to me who took those photos.
-- Bill O.

They're "christians", they should just forgive her !!! If not, then they aren't "christians" !!!

Just curious? If Mel Gibson had been their and made anti-semtic comments would there even be a blog about whether this was right or wrong? If Imus was at this function and called some person of African decent a nappy headed ..., would there even be a blog here?

Hello people!!! You can't have it both ways. You either hold ALL people accountable or none at all. Liberal doesn't just mean, "Believe anything you want, just as long as it agrees with you!!!!"

If she said it, deal with it. Period. She screwed up just like everyone else on the other side has screwed up. Take your lumps. Step down. Move on....

Pope Pius XVI did not help the Nazis, idiots. He was instrumental in saving many more Jewish lives than Schindler ever did. No greater source than Golda Meier herself among a leigon of Jewish leaders have so stated. So stop perpetuating false information and do a bit more research.

On one hand, as a previous poster commented, she said these things during a roast, which is hardly the type of setting known for political correctness. So, in essence, there was a context behind her statements. Maybe not one which legitimizes what she said, but certainly a context nonetheless.

However, on the other hand, she clearly went too far. It's one thing to bust someone's chops in jest; it's quite another to make crude remarks about another's faith.

In the end, I don't believe I have enough insider information to make the proper judgement as to whether she should retain her job or not. However, as the old maxim goes: to err is human, to forgive divine.

Does making derogatory remarks improve one's image? I think not and Ms. Jacobson certainly didn't do anything to add to her resume. She can apologize all she wants to the public and it won't even make a blip on the screen of life; however, the one she should be apologizing to is to God. In the end, He is the one she'll answer to as to why she became so volatile in her tirade and decided it was appropriate to become one of the guys.

What a bunch of cry babies. Get over it! Requesting that she should be released for a first time offense is ridiculous. Maybe all those people asking for her to be let go should loose their license for just going 5MPH over the speed limit or pushing a yellow light or not using their blinkers. All of those situations are wrong and illegal. Those who point a finger should remember that they have three of their own fingers pointing right back at them!

What did she say that was inappropriate?
I've been saying those same words ever
since I was a sophmore at MSU!!

In keeping with the nickname Fighting Irish and the Irish folklore, the Leprechaun serves as the Notre Dame mascot....The Leprechaun was named the official mascot in 1965.

In the perverse world of political correction, Evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics are afforded no level of sensitivity. "In wine there is truth"...and, so too, vodka. This is, no doubt, the true Ms. Jacobson of ESPN.

Yes, ESPN fired Limbaugh for speaking his opinion about McNabb. They fired Gregg Easterbrook in 2003 for making "distasteful" comments about Jewish movie executives - comments he made in an article that wasn't even published in any ESPN-related medium. Go ahead and Google "Easterbrook fired ESPN". You'll find it.

So don't tell me "it was a roast" or "it had nothing to do with ESPN". ESPN has fired people for far less egregious remarks about other "protected" groups. The double standard here is jaw-dropping.

And if it's no big deal, then why is ESPN burying the tape? Let us hear for ourselves what she said.

OK.....if most of us were at a publicly broadcast meeting and said anything like Jacobson, wouldn't we be fired immediately? It makes the station and the station's sponsors look bad.
The same can be said for what Kelly Tilghman said too regarding "lynching" Tiger Woods. Tilghman's comment was very racist and violent in nature but she wasn't fired.

What about Isaiah Washingtons comment (from Grays anatomy)? He was FIRED not suspended for making a homosexual comment regarding a fellow actor.

Why weren't the 2 white women fired for their comments yet a black actor gets fired for his?? hmmmmm

I will not support ESPN sponsors and I will take the time to let them know.

(I am white by the way too)

Jeff G

Just think of the roast Jesus has planned for Dana Jacobson when this is all done.

i was at the roast, and i recorded the whole speech. it was disgraceful & offensive. i posted it on YouTube. here is the URL -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JQAMVBXS6Q
----------------------------------------
Note of clarification: Jacobson's remarks are not on the YouTube link, at least not when I checked. The link is to a music video on YouTube that relates to the subject and people may find interesting but it has no video from the much-discussed roast.
-- Bill O.

Espn better fire her ...! What she said was really cruel.

Thank you all for your civil comments posted here unlike the hatred and defamations being spewed at Catholics, Christians, and Notre Dame on the blogeshere elsewhere as a direct result of this ESPN associated assault.

I do not believe the location of the assault (at roasts) justifies or excuses the attack; this line of defense is a precedent that would have terrible implications by extension to other anti-social behavior.

I am not pursuing Dana's discharge. I am not even sure whether her suspension is paid or unpaid. A paid suspension is a VACATION which I would object to.

As far as I am concerned ESPN could bring her back to paid employment but keep her off the air ways for some period of time until she gets the message and until Christians have recovered from this blatant attack.

My complaint is with ESPN itself . Todate it has not addressed its apology to Christians following Dana's blasphemy against their spiritual leader. ESPN apologized for lesser assaults against "Touchdown Jesus" and Notre Dame. This attack was primarily focused on Christians first, Catholics and Notre Dame secondarily.

ESPN should be appologizing to all Lutherans, Methodists, Unitarians, Baptists, Latter Day Saints, etc. as well as to Catholics.

It is unconscionable for ESPN to try to stonewall the essential element of this attack.

I LOVE the "Just think of the roast Jesus has planned for Dana...." comment above. It's perfect!!!!

Because in the end, it's none of our judgements that matter anyway.

Folks, it's not our forgiveness Dana needs...it's Christ the Lord's forgiveness that she should seek. The good news is that this forgiveness is available to all of us who proclaim Christ as our Savior.

Romans 13:38 "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you."

yeah we should just ruin her life and her family she's probably supporting because she made one mistake because she was trying to have fun and she got out of hand...people just need to quit being so sensitive and stop letting what other people say affect them

I agree with (X) notre dame. Not for any religious means but for the special treatment their horrible football program. They should be stripped of their BCS and forced to join a football conference. This program has been dying for decades, and is up there with ARMY, NAVY, Air Force, IVY league for most irrelevant football programs.

Dana was trying to get at Mike Golic since he went to Notre Dame and thats why she was cracking jokes on Notre Dame. Yes the f word is a excessive but Jesus was only used to mock Notre Dame, not religion. A suspension is fine, the comment had nothing really to do with religion.

Deuteronomy 32:6 (AMP)
Do you thus repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Is not He your Father Who acquired you for His own, Who made and established you [as a nation]?

1 Timothy 1:13 (AMP)
Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:20 (AMP)
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme.

CAN YOU SAY "IMUS"?????

Jacobson, Imus, Gibson, Limbaugh, Cossell, etc... Forgiveness is a GREAT thing. To those of you who do not understand I am sorry for your loss.
That being said, Jacobson is an on the air personality and should take GREAT care in remarks said, under the influence or not, wherever she is.
Our society has become so "full of itself" over the past 30 years, that I am truly afraid of where we will, or will not, be in the next 30.
As far as the Dean Martin roasts, there was NEVER any poorly chosen statements for the REST of the audience to hear. I was there.
I am no longer shocked at what is said by the media or actors on television shows.
I can STILL remember being at the Oklahoma City bomb site and those wonderfully chosen words that came flowing from Connie Chung's mouth. That COST her dearly.
When will the media clean up their own messes and not have to have us do it for them.
Not being "officially" on the job is no excuse for BAD MANNERS.

It is such a tragedy in our society that we don't hold people that choose a profession involving public exposure to a higher standard. Anyway given a platform that puts them before millions of people should be responsible enough to act professionally in a public appearance of any kind. A quote from the Spiderman movie, "with great power comes great responsibility" couldn't be more appropriate in this situation. If Don Imus was fired for being an idiot, and saying totally offensive comments so should she. Maybe people in the limelight will think intelligently, and behave more responsibly.

Today, it seems like Christians can not stand up for our own religious faith anymore. Christianity is a way of life. Just like gays and non Christians have their own way of life. When someone said Gays are immoral is a hate crime, but they have the right to say how they feel and take actions about those remarks. When someone makes hateful remarks about Jesus and Christianity, we're told to suck it up and move on. We have no right to say how we feel and to stand up for our own way of life. Christianity has been slowly taken away through the decades. Which this country was rooted in and our laws were based on. We wouldn't be this country today if it wasn't for our faith in God which its said on our currencies: "IN GOD WE TRUST".

What Dana Jacobson did is just a tip of the iceberg. Catholics and their beliefs,institutions,etc., are always fair game regarding the media. I say NO MORE. If Jacobson had made an unkind remark about persons of color, jews, moslems, etc., she would be out. ESPN should show some good sense in this matter and get rid of her.

Ok, now I dont condone what she did or said, it was obviously a mistake. However I question any so called Christian that would hold or attend a "prayer vigil" with the purpose of getting somebody fired. Seriously, I am a Christian, and I have always been taught that one of the main tenets of Christianity is forgiveness. Shes sorry, forgive her.

Oh and one more thing... To the person that said "I'm not surprised that ESPN is not taking a stand against this behavior. It's just more proof that this country founded on Christian beliefs is on its way to Hell."

You might want to check your history books. This country was not founded on Christian beliefs. It was founded on freedom of religion and free speech.

Lets look at the case you are comparing her to:
Isiah Washington actually kept his job through the season and then was not renewed after the whole cast complained about him. He also made at least two anti gay remarks the second meant to be an apology.
Rush Limbaugh is doing quite well despite numerous remarks, drug use, etc.
Don Imus is doing better than he ever has despite a history of numerous similar remarks. This probably was too much of a reprimand all the same and may indicate why the stations are beginning to tone down.
Mel Gibson was not "suspended" or in any other way "let go" other than personally deciding to try to repair his image despite having other previous anti-semitic statements (not said at a roast) and movies. This was probably fair since he also was drunk.
It is funny that some blogger actually said what if this was Tiger Woods, since that did happen 2 days earlier. Ms.Tilghman (sp?) was reprimanded but she was a friend and thus it was recognized that a FIRST offense has some possibility of just being a slip up.
I am a White Christian Male and am horrified by my "brethren" who never turn the cheek and/or insist that we never get the benefit of the doubt when referring to those who time and again have made racist, anti-semitic, anti-gay, OR anti-Christian remarks.

She was drunk, probably ridiculously nervous at the idea of standing up among these guys and said something horrible that was only for their ears at a ROAST (which at its essence is aimed to be as offensive as possible; next time there's a your-mama contest their better not be anyone with a video camera!)
Suspend her a week, get some sensitivity training so she will be better than us pathetic bloggers and move on.
But, she'll probably be fired subtly at the end of some sports cycle to stop all these whiners.

As a devouted Christian myself, though not Catholic, I feel everyone should forgive Dana and move on. No need to call for her firing. She has apologized and taken responsibility for her decisions and actions. She has repented for the mistakes she has made, and for that I forgive her.

To be a christian is to forgive.

So she said (X) Notre Dame and (maybe, possibly, someone thinks she might have said) (X) TD Jesuus (mispelling intentional, I can't even type it), NOT JESUS, but the TD idol. Big deal. It was a ROAST!! Any idiot protesting her ever heard of one of those?? They are supposed to be crass. Bad taste?? Probably. But get over it. She's made a public apology and lost a week. There's your pound of flesh. It seems like the majority of whiners need a reason to complain to be happy and want to crucify her for a poor choice of words. Remember: "What would Jesus do??? Thank Heaven she didn't say the same thing about Islam.
(Someone) would have put a price on her head!!!!!!!!

It was a ROAST! People drink and (ridicule) at these things. I respect the protesters right to free speech but sometimes I feel as if our society is way too PC and uptight. Perhaps the protesters are the ones who should have a drink or a nice pull from the bottle of Grey Goose.

Some of the comments are well taken but bringing up whether ND should join a conference? Talk about way off base. Stick to the subject and TRY and leave your prejudices to the side. Dana embarrassed herself and ESPN. Whether she directed the gutteral comments to ND or any other school or religion it is unacceptable and unprofessional and drinking is no excuse. Ask Mel Gibson. She should be fired. Any of you who think it is no big deal have a bigger problem than she does.

She made these comments at a roast. You're supposed to say bad things at a roast. It's a roast!! Seems to me the people doing all the "judging" are not supposed to judge lest they be judged.
Personally I find churches offensive but I do not sit outside of them and laugh at people for worshiping a magic being in the clouds.
There isn't a person alive who wouldn't offend someone somewhere with something they say. Can't people just leave it alone and move on with their lives?

First, let me state that I am Catholic, and a supporter (both as a fan and a financial contributor) of the University of Notre Dame. I am also a fan of Mike and Mike, and have seen Dana on Cold Pizza and on Mike and Mike.

I think that Dana has her own issues, and it is not my place to condemn her. I also think that the purpose of a roast is to make rude, obnoxious, and insulting comments about the roastees.

Getting drunk and being obnoxious is not grounds for firing (I guess ESPN has to make that determination for themselves). I'm so sick of the Al Sharpton's of the world thinking that they have any right to fire people that work for someone else. If you want to protest and boycott advertisers, go ahead, but please pick a better reason than 'she was drunk and obnoxious'. How many times are we going to allow the politically correct police force us to behave according to their expectations?

If you don't want to hear offensive language, don't go to a roast!

Whether Dana was really drunk or not, really isn't the question. If you excuse her behavior because she was drunk, then you are saying people that are drunk are not responsible for their actions. I disagree. I would excuse her behavior because she was at a roast, where people gather specifically to behave offensively.

I'm pretty sure than anyone that labels themself as 'Christian' AND calls for Jacobson's firing is a hypocrite, and should be ignored.

I would have to agree with the previous posts about the double standards when it comes to people insulting Christianity. As someone else mentioned, it is fair game to insult Christianity and then to just be verbally reprimanded or suspended. But if you insult the Jewish faith, Muslims, gays or a minority then you get fired because of the immense (pressure) from the special interest groups.

It needs to be the same all the way across the board. I am all for forgiving people, but where do you draw the line? There should be zero tolerance for people in the public spectrum who think that they can spout off at the mouth and make controversial remarks without any consequences.

It is clear that Dana Jacobson has one of the most awful tastes in humor. Who says that, I mean really? Did you see the picture of her chugging the Vodka bottle? Just because this event was a roast doesn't mean that you can say things like that, especially when you have the head coach of ND football attending the event. Have some class!

Also, PM Stanton, I think that your comments echo much of what some of the other posters said about Christianity being reduced and cut out. Look at yourself, you are so desensitized that you actually consider giving this woman a pass? Yes people need to be forgiven, but forgiveness doesn't mean that there shouldn't be consequences and that people shouldn't be held accountable for their actions. Stop trying to make excuses for her...she was wrong and that's all there is to it.

For the people that say, IT'S A ROAST. Would it been alright to say (X) WHITES, (X) BLACKS, (X) ASIANS, or use rasical slurs. being drunk is not an excuse. I believe strongly in forgiveness, but the line was to be drawn somewhere. We live in this world together have respect for everyone. Regarding race, religion, and life style no matter what atmoshpere were in.

BUDawgs,
not to sound like Mary who touted her "PhD in sociology and a master (SIC) in human behavior" (while being outraged by this human behavior), but with my degrees in English and career in publishing I still cannot understand your comment completely. She did face consequences and was held accountable; obviously not accountable enough for many.

If people need to be held accountable for what they do in private settings, to such an extent that they should lose their livelihood, let ye without sin cast that first stone. I read Huck Finn to my children the other day, I hope my repeatedly reading the N-word out loud doesn't get to my employer. Remember, the second you win a lottery, fall down a well, or otherwise make the news you are a celebrity and anything you do in private is this kind of fair game.

Again, I hear people screaming it was in a public setting, and again I scream a roast, you are supposed to be rude. When you go too far it is called being a bad roaster, you are made fun of as a number apparently were that night, you are not banished from the working world. She was a drunken blathering idiot, the parallel is Mel Gibson, not Imus or Rush Limbaugh or Jesse Jackson (with "Hymietown"). And, as I mentioned, Mel was barely punished despite a certain history. There is definitely enough hate speech out there, with repeat offenders with all of their faculties, to attack.

If you surf the blogs on this you'll find them filled with fearful Christians who imagine our place in Heaven is lost if we don't stone her and filled with a nearly equal number of men complaining she should be taken off the air anyway because she's not "hot" enough. I think she can keep her job telling us whether Tom Brady is wearing a boot without our failing our faith in watching the show, in preparation for games these same complainers watch instead of Sunday sermons.

In regards to people saying they don't know any Catholics or Christians who bash other religions: WAKE UP!! Do you know anything about history, even recent history? Christianity is the most misused excuse EVER to bash people. torture, even kill them. And now you're complaining that it's being bashed unfairly. Well, maybe the fact that fanatical Christians are responsible for more deaths over the last 600 years than even chairman Mao makes people skeptical when you all start to complain. Jesus' message was love, tolerance, FORGIVENESS, not whining about how someone has put you down. Maybe the next time the average Christian brings this up, they should think about their own religions' total distortion of that great message into something so disgusting, so vile, not even Lucifer himself would support it..