Hank Williams Jr. was synonymous with Monday Night Football for 20 years, but no more.
Hank Williams Jr. will no longer appear on Monday Football after 20 strong years after his recent comments in an interview went way over line.
I’m sure most people can’t even name one of his songs, but they do know “Are you ready for some football!”
I don’t remember ever watching a Monday Night Football game without it…except for last Monday’s Colts-Buccaneers game of course when ESPN pulled the intro hours before kick-off. And I will always remember that.
Williams Jr. made an appearance on FOX and Friends Monday morning via satellite, and was asked about the GOP Presidential race.
What got him in trouble was when spoke out about John Boehner playing golf President Barack Obama. “That would be like Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu. Not hardly. In the shape this country is in?”
Today, ESPN released the following statement: “We have decided to part ways with Hank Williams, Jr. We appreciate his contributions over the past years. The success of Monday Night Football has always been about the games and that will continue.”
Hank Williams Jr. however, says in a statement on his website that he was the one that wanted out.
“After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made MY decision. By pulling my opening Oct 3rd, You (ESPN) stepped on the Toes of The First Amendment Freedom of Speech, so therefore Me, My Song, and All My Rowdy Friends are OUT OF HERE. It’s been a great run.”
Hank Williams Jr. was wrong with what he said…you just can’t say that, especially when you aren’t the boss. He argues his First Amendment rights, but being pulled isn’t government related, so it doesn’t matter.
The lesson out of this case is remember who pays your salary. Even if you are big time and popular, you cannot go out and say such controversial things without consequences. In sports it’s the same way. If I work for the Indianapolis Colts for example, obviously I can’t be overly critical and say X coach needs to go or the GM is over his head.
Whatever you do and wherever you work, watch what you say. You can think it, but it’s not worth the risk to make bold statements in public, especially if you are popular. Otherwise, your job will be in serious jeopardy.
If you haven’t seen the video of what he did, check it out below.
DAVE OBRIEN MADE A COMMENT DURING THE WISCONSIN/INDIANA GAME, THAT NO ONE HAS PROBABLY HIT 2 3’S IN A ROW, LIKE THE PLAYER DID FOR WISCONSIN!!!!!! DID HE FORGET THE 12 3’S GATENS FOR IOWA MADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DAVE OBRIEN MADE A COMMENT DURING THE WISCONSIN/INDIANA GAME, THAT NO ONE HAS PROBABLY HIT 3 3’S IN A ROW, LIKE THE PLAYER DID FOR WISCONSIN!!!!!! DID HE FORGET THE 12 3’S GATENS FOR IOWA MADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!