Hank Williams Jr. will no longer sing the words “Are you ready for some football?” on Monday nights on ESPN.
Each side claimed Thursday it had decided to part ways after Williams’ tune opened “Monday Night Football” for more than two decades. The network had pulled the intro for this week’s game after the country singer used an analogy to Adolf Hitler in discussing President Barack Obama on Fox News on Monday morning.
Williams issued a statement Monday night insisting his remarks were misunderstood, then apologized Tuesday.
ESPN says: “We have decided to part ways with Hank Williams Jr.”
But in a statement to The Associated Press, Williams says: “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.”
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