Hank Jr. Says You Can’t Fire Me! I Quit You!

Three days after Hank Williams Jr. compared President Obama to Hitler, ESPN permanently cut his opening song to “Monday Night Football,” which includes the catchphrase “Are you ready for some football?” ESPN dropped the song from its presentation of the Colts-Buccaneers game Monday night in response to Williams’ remarks, and then deliberated about taking further action. ESPN said yesterday that it was its decision to end a long association with Williams, but the singer insists they didn’t fire him – he quit. Williams released a statement saying, “After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made my decision. By pulling my opening Oct. 3, 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.” Williams first sang “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” for a meeting of the ABC station affiliates in 1986. In 1989, he adapted the lyrics for the 20th anniversary of “Monday Night Football” on ABC.