Olbermann picks Tweet fight w/students

[Sirhornsalot]

Picking a fight with students raising money against cancer? Geez . . . 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/espn-suspends-keith-olbermann-after-penn-state-tweets-194548919.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory&soc_trk=fb&fb_ref=Default

ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann will not anchor his show for the rest of the week after a series of tweets directed at Penn State students.

Olbermann, who was most recently critical of Penn State on his ESPN show in January after Joe Paterno's vacated wins were restored, was told on Twitter by a user about the $13 million raised by Penn State students for pediatric cancer. He responded to the tweet with a response of "pitiful."

"We are aware of the exchange Keith Olbermann had on Twitter last night regarding Penn State. It was completely inappropriate and does not reflect the views of ESPN," the network said in a statement. "We have discussed it with Keith, who recognizes he was wrong. ESPN and Keith have agreed that he will not host his show for the remainder of this week and will return on Monday. The annual tradition of THON and the efforts of the students of Penn State to fight pediatric cancer should be applauded."

Olbermann said his use of the word "pitiful" was toward Penn State students and not toward the fundraising efforts. The efforts culminate with the Penn State Dance Marathon, known as THON, and students stand and dance for 46 hours straight. Thousands of students participate in the fundraising and over 700 students danced in the marathon. The efforts have raised over $114 million since 1977.

Picking a fight via a pediatric cancer fundraiser is inexplicable. It's an act that Olbermann would likely take to task if it was done by someone else, especially someone he disagreed with.

Olbermann apologized Tuesday afternoon. We'll see if he apologizes again on his show next week.

 

[joeywa]

Social media is a dangerous medium, especially in the hands of numbskulls. 

 

[utisdabomb12]

Social media is a dangerous medium, especially in the hands of numbskulls. 

It's a dangerous medium, but some of these journalists/media heads orchestrate arguments like this to create publicity. The Clay Travis, Paul Finebaum, and even Olbermans of the sports world are all troll journalists. They don't want real engagement, they want these type arguments/backlash. Sadly, that's what sports journalism is now.........troll journalists. 

 

[Worster1]

Olberman - I mostly ignore him but I admit he is sometimes insightful and funny.  However many times he is a flaming jackass that likes to mostly be provocative / pick fights or just be a prick like he was about these kids raising money for cancer.  ESPN can do way better than this dude, I hope they finally kick him to the curb.

 

[Juan]

Olberman has been suspended and then fired from every job he has ever had

He is a known misogynist who been been accused, multiple times, of harassing female co-workers

He also has gotten into twitter-wars like this in the past that resulted in suspension from work (one of those times rather famously attacking a young female -- perhaps a minor, i cannot recall for sure)

On top of all that, he has been caught misstating his academics

Yet, he keeps getting new job offers.  No doubt ESPN made it clear he was on a short leash.  And, no doubt, he promised to behave this time.  But, he just cannot save himself from being an a-hole.  Dude is a born a-hole.  And he will always be one.

 

[Juan]

Top 5 Warning Signs ESPN Should Have Seen Before They Hired Keith Olbermann In The First Place  BY LARRY O'CONNOR 
http://www.ijreview.com/2015/02/258077-top-5-warning-signs-espn-seen-hired-keith-olbermann-first-place/

Here are the top 5 warning signs ESPN should have seen before they even gave Olbermann his nightly show (presented as a “Countdown†in homage to his MSNBC program):

5: Dismissal from Current TV

Olbermann was dismissed from Current TV in 2012 after months of contract disputes. After leaving Current, Olbermann launched a Twitter tirade threatening legal action against the network.

4: Suspension from MSNBC

In 2010, Olbermann was suspended from MSNBC for violating the NBC Newsethics policy. He donated thousands of dollars to three congressional candidates. The violation was thought to “jeopardize†his standing as an “impartial journalist.â€

3: Departure from MSNBC

Olbermann left MSNBC after eight years in 2011. He routinely clashed with network executives and was apparently not well-liked by other on-air talent.

2: Offensive comments towards women

Olbermann has had a habit of making disparaging comments towards women. In 2011, he said that S.E. Cupp’s parent should’ve used Planned Parenthood, insinuating that she should’ve been aborted. Olbermann also called media personality Michelle Malkin a “big mashed-up bag of meat with lipstick on it.†In both cases, Olbermann was forced to apologize.

1: His suspension and departure from ESPN, the first time

In 1997, Olbermann’s contract was terminated six months early after a long dispute with the network. Olbermann was also suspended during his first stint at ESPN for appearing on a Comedy Central program to promote a book that was a breach of contract.

Clearly, Keith Olbermann has a long track-record of misbehaving and causing disputes with fellow members of the media. His pattern of controversy might have been overlooked by ESPN, this time.

 

[DocHorn]

He is clearly a quick witted and bright guy, but he has several character flaws and lacks good judment

 

[doc longhorn]

He simply keeps stepping on his own arrogance.

 

[BevoBlake]

Once a prick, always a prick.

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

douchebag
Someone who has surpassed the levels of jerk and asshole, however not yet reached f##ker or motherf##ker. Not to be confused with douche.