ESPN anchor Dana Jacobson disciplined after comments at roast

By RACHEL COHEN, AP Sports Writer

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By Beth Boehne

NEW YORK (AP) — Insults are the goal of roasts, and plenty were zinged around during a charity dinner held to skewer two ESPN radio hosts earlier this month.

One of the network's anchors went too far.

Dana Jacobson, co-host of the "ESPN First Take" morning show, was disciplined by her employer after an expletive-laden speech. The Chicago Tribune reported that the University of Michigan graduate was suspended one week.

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 whole point was to spout off edgy jokes, but what's OK for comedians Eddie Griffin and Jeffrey Ross may not be appropriate for ESPN announcers seeking to be both entertainers and journalists.

Asked whether the network planned to rethink its policy regarding employees taking part in such events, ESPN spokesman Mike 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 earned a degree in English and communications at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She landed her first television job at WPBN/WTOM-TV in Traverse City, Mich., where she spent two years as a fill-in news anchor, producer and editor.

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."

1:06 AM anonymous wrote ...

Go back to school for better manners you just showed how how unprofessional you are. Grow up

1:04 AM anony wrote ...

I wuld think an English Major would have a more gifted vocabulary and sentence structure coming out of the University of Michigan shame on her !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, Jan 29 at 7:30 PM JMT wrote ...

Just saying the name "Notre Dame" IS the JOKE. :)-

Tuesday, Jan 29 at 4:00 AM curt wrote ...

well if ole charlie would get his head out of his you know what an stop worry so much bout his weight loss maybe he should look for another coaching job he stinks as coach maybe he should ask subway for a job

Saturday, Jan 26 at 7:07 AM Anonymous wrote ...

fire her!!!steve

Friday, Jan 25 at 3:03 AM Kel wrote ...

Comedy should be left to comedians. Drunks are never amusing. Talking heads should stick to reading the prompters.

Thursday, Jan 24 at 9:07 AM Anony. wrote ...

Is the presence of alcohol really necessary? It seems that alcohol causes too many problems. Case in point, you have a person who was drinking heavily make a complete fool of herself. Every year at the holiday's you see articles posted/printed about how to conduct yourself at a company party where alcohol is being served. Pretty sad that we have to have party guides to help us act like mature, responsible adults at business parties.

Thursday, Jan 24 at 5:10 AM Dave wrote ...

Isn't that the reason for the roast? I mean she tried to be funny, and fell flat on her face.

Wednesday, Jan 23 at 10:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hi, I'm Dana, I can't hold my liquor.

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