Dont Know Much Spirituality

In January's First Things, Robert Louis Wilken comments on what Catholic students don't learn in college:

The absence of intellectual leadership on the part of Catholic faculty deprives students of models of well-educated Catholic laymen and laywomen who by their life and conversation display a mature and seasoned faith. Seldom will students find guides among the faculty who can deepen their understanding of Catholicism—suggesting a book here, an article there--as their studies present challenges to what they learned at home. Sadly, many Catholic students will go through four years of college to become reasonably well informed in some area of study--European history, American literature, international politics, biology--yet leave the university children spiritually.

That rings all too true. And it usually doesn't matter if they attend a Catholic school like Notre Dame or not. Speaking of Golden Domers, ESPN co-host suspended for vulgar remarks:

Dana Jacobson has been missing from ESPN2's 'First Take' but the co-host isn't on vacation.

In a story first reported by the Chicago Tribune, Jacobson has been suspended for the week because of remarks she made at a Jan. 11 roast for ESPN Radio morning show hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic in Atlantic City, N.J.

Jacobson, a Michigan graduate, made vulgar comments about Notre Dame. Golic played football at the latter school. A newspaper account of the roast said Jacobson was booed by the crowd.

An ESPN spokesperson would not confirm the suspension to the Star Tribune but the company did put out a statement that said, 'Her actions and comments were inappropriate and we have dealt with it and she has been disciplined.'

Jacobson also issued her own statement. 'I am very sorry. My remarks about Notre Dame were foolish and insensitive,' she said. 'I respect all religions and did not mean anything derogatory by my poorly chosen words. I also deeply regret the embarrassment I have caused ESPN and Mike and Mike.

'My actions at the roast were inappropriate and in no way represent who I really am. 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.'

Paul e-mails to add:

I have been following the DJ situation closely. According to the blog Deadspin.com, but unsubstantiated by major media or audio/video, Jacobson (who is Jewish) said quote:

"F*** Notre Dame, F*** Touchdown Jesus, F*** Jesus."

I don't know exactly what she said. Unless we see tape or hear interviews with multiple attendees, we may never know.

The event was a roast and roasts sometimes get lewd. I don't think I'd feel comfortable attending a roast that was sponsored by my employer. It seems likely that the event would either be totally lame or potentially get out of hand and get people in serious trouble.

As for what Jacobson allegedly said, I have no problems with her first two effs. Her eff of ND is just slamming a football rival. Her eff of Touchdown Jesus doesn't even bother me, since it is a specific piece of artwork/architecture that depicts a religious figure. Since TDJ appears to taunt the fans and players of opposing teams, it is a fair target for a roaster from a rival school. However, her eff of Jesus is deeply offensive to all Christians and the Catholic League should be commended for pressuring ESPN into punishing her.

I am certain that ESPN executives know what she said. To suggest it was because she insulted Notre Dame seems to me to be an attempt to sweep her anti-Christian statements under the rug. Few care (or should) if she insulted Notre Dame, insulting Jesus is an affront to all Christians. So my position is no punishment for statements 1 or 2, and severe punishment for statement 3. Imagine if she said that about Muhammed!

ESPN is pretty hypocritical. They didn't punish her for a week until the Catholic League started calling press conferences. Yet when Golf Channel commentator Kelly Tillman commented that the only way other golfers would win is if they lynched Tiger Woods, ESPN blasted that all over SportsCenter.