Christian groups who protested ESPN's lack of response to anti-Jesus remarks made by one of its television hosts are now applauding the network for its recent commitment toward building religious tolerance in the workplace.
The controversy stemmed from a slew of offensive remarks made by news anchor Dana Jacobson during a Jan. 11 dinner in Atlantic City, N.J. A reportedly intoxicated Jacobson made such remarks as "F*** Notre Dame," "F***Touchdown Jesus," "F***Jesus."
Apologies from both ESPN and Jacobson followed the event and the "First Take" co-host was put on a one-week suspension. ESPN called her comments inappropriate and Jacobson said in an apology that she respects all religions and did not mean anything derogatory by her "poorly chosen words."
But the incident sparked protest among Christian watchdog groups which asked the television network to either fire Jacobson or suspend her for one year. The groups also held a demonstration outside EPSN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn., late January.
In response, ESPN recently released a public statement in which the network promised to work toward building religious tolerance in its workplace and encourage its employees to use language consistent with that commitment.
"Diversity and communications are important to ESPN and we have existing programs in place for both," read the ESPN statement. "To bring focus to the issues of religious tolerance and language as part of these efforts is totally appropriate and we will do so."
The statement continued, "With regard to language in the workplace, we do not have a list of forbidden phrases, but we do require appropriate workplace behavior. We will raise the profile of this issue as part of our internal dialogue and will be emphasizing to employees the importance of using language that is appropriate in the workplace."
The protesting Christian groups commended ESPN on Thursday. The Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, the group behind the protest, called the statement by ESPN "the first powerful step toward building a culture of religious tolerance."
"Religious intolerance and discrimination should have no place in the American workplace," said Mahoney. "Employees should feel that their faith traditions, beliefs and value systems will be respected and honored."
"By making a first time commitment to include religious tolerance in their diversity programs, ESPN is sending a clear signal that religious discrimination has no place at their network," he continued. "ESPN has also recognized that the use of certain religiously offensive words and phrases must not be tolerated and their use is inappropriate."
Dr. Gary Cass, president of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, which often speaks out against "Christian bashing" in the media, also commended EPSN's recent response.
"Working to create a workplace that is 'faith friendly' is a step in the right direction and I commend ESPN for their promise to do so," he said.
"We hope this can help foster a further conversation about religious tolerance that can elevate our public discourse and reclaim a proper respect towards the religious convictions of others."
Cass also spoke on behalf of Don Wildmon of the American Family Association, one of America's largest Christian activist organizations, saying the conservative leader was "appreciative of the good news and will not move forward with any national boycott campaign."
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It amazes how folks seem to think to they know what Jeus would do in a given situation. With Herod he refused to even speak. With the moneychangers he drove them out of the temple with a whip. With the woman taken in adultry he forgave her and yet commanded her to sin no more. This allowed for repentance, which is a change of heart. If the apology is from the heart with a desire to change, then praise God. If it is an apollogy because her inner feelings caused a public outcry that threatened her postion, that is a different story. I have no doubt that Jesus would like to embrace her, if she would allow Him. With Him we are promised life, and without Him we are promised death. The greater issue here is what ESPN will allow in its employees. An even policy should treat racial slurs the same as religous slurs.
I see a lot of angry comments here. Is it really Christian to judge Ms. Jacobson? Perhaps she has a drinking problem. Jesus would forgive her instantaneously and put his arm around her and fill her with his love. That's the Jesus I know.
With regards to "Christianity" the statistics are approximately 40,000 Christian denominations and this number grow by the week. If we all agreed then there would be only one. They do not, so first of all there is no common Christian consensus except that somewhere the name "Jesus" is involved. "Protesting Groups" that use he title Christian do not offer me, an Orthodox Christian any solace by "commending" ESPN in their efforts to Build religious tolerance. This is not about religious tolerance--it is about Jesus and THE Church that he found, not Churches!..."and the gates of hell will not prevail..." Well apparently, what ever is behind those gates is sure trying!
Secondly, who cares that Dana Jacobsen "respects all religions," If this her way of avoiding anymore problems by saying "I respect Christians." This is not about ALL RELIGIONS, this is about Jesus and the people who call themselves Christians of which he is there God...unless you're a Christian who doesn't believe that.
So,"for fear of the Jews," AFA and other Christian groups turn tail and praise the radical synagogue that runs ESPN/ABC.America needs real Christian leaders!
Dana Jacobson is an alcoholic and a loud mouth.
No need to comment more.
These kind of people have a self-destruct button somewhere on her. Let her keep pushing that button.
Leave her be, and do not watch ESPN. Spend quality time with your spouse and kids.
Even if no comments had been made about Jesus, Jacobson should have been terminated for being drunk and cursing.
Exodus 20:7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." (NIV)
Pretty-well sums it up to me.
One thing that bothers me about this whole "religious" tolerance is the fact that they would NEVER slam the name of muhammad or allah, people only want to slam the name of the One who created them, the One who gives them life and the very breath in their lungs. I say to those people and all sinners; Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand, repent of your sins and place your trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone for your salvation and fall on your face before the Holy GOD and beg Him to forgive you of your sins and to give you a clean & new heart. Jesus is the only way to the Father, go via Him or don't go at all.
To GOD be the Glory!
I think we're missing a very critical point here.
What conditions have been placed on being tolerant? There are many faiths and practices. Are we to believe that being tolerant is only towards the Christian faith?
What has Reverand Mahoney really pushed for here?
Once again Christians back down. Jacobson got a slap on the wrist (1 week suspension) and never apologized for cursing the name of the King of kings. She said she offended Notre Dame.
Diversity Programs are just another worthless tool of the Left. If ESPN was really sorry and wanted to make sure it didn't happen again, they should have fired Jacobson.
I watch a lot of sports. I have watched sporting events and news on ESPN daily for many years. But I have not watched ESPN or ABC since this event and will never again. It is not easy for a sports junkie, but I am taking my stand for the name of Jesus. Its a small price to pay compared with what he did for me.