Oh Dana...

ESPN sports anchor and co-host of ESPN2's First Take, Dana Jacobsen, has been suspended for comments made earlier this month at a roast of ESPN's Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg (of ESPN Radio "Mike & Mike").  Many reports from the roast have confirmed that Dana was drunk and "made an absolute fool of herself."  Mike and Mike were both visibly embarrassed as Jacobsen drank vodka straight from the bottle and cursed like a sailor.

Most notably, also the reason for ESPN's disciplinary action, Jacobsen (University of Michigan alumna) said to Golic (former Notre Dame football star) "F--- Notre Dame! F--- Touchdown Jesus! F--- Jesus!" (click here for more of the story) I think ESPN was right and acted appropriately.  This was inappropriate behavior and she deserved to be punished for it.

Most interesting to me is the general public reaction.  It has been varied, to say the least, but consistently I have heard and read people saying things along the lines of "It was a roast, all bets are off, stop being a party-pooper" or that since she wasn't on the set of First Take, she can do whatever she wants.  Others think that it is about political correctness and Bible-thumpers having too much say in politics and media in our country.

But really, in my opinion, it comes down to appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior.  You're right, in general, if you are of legal drinking age and you want to have a drink after work, your job shouldn't punish you for your behavior.  But the thing is, Jacobsen is a public media figure, a face on TV, and she was attending a public event hosted by her company honoring some of her co-workers.  So whether you like it or not, you're still at work, and your behavior should reflect that.  A public ESPN event is not the place to get trashed and curse out other guests, let alone Jesus.  Show some restraint, conduct yourself with dignity, maybe even try acting like a lady.

And secondly, just because you're at a roast, that doesn't mean anything goes.  Please note, this was an ESPN roast for radio hosts, not a Comedy Central roast of a comedian or actor.  Inherent in that is that this roast would not be as vulgar or obscene as the Pamela Anderson roast, for example.  Secondly, it is one thing to say that a comedian's material for "that" kind of a roast has no limits, but as an anchorwoman going to a roast is not the equivalent of a vacation in Vegas.  What happens at that roast does not stay at that roast.  You still have to act professional and not like the world is without consequences.

Look, she made a mistake, she made a fool of herself, she made some offensive remarks, and embarrassed herself, the guests of honor, and most importantly, her company, the hosts, ESPN.  She deserves to be punished and possibly even fired if ESPN deems this as damaging enough to their reputation and appearance.  It's not about religion or the Catholics in control.  It is about inappropriate behavior at a public event and the just punishment for that.