When it comes to one-sided controversies, Keith Olbermann is willing to take on the world. The boy just can’t help it.
For what seems to be the umpteenth time, ESPN’s Olbermann has been suspended for inappropriate conduct, this time from his snarky comment to the Penn State faithful via Twitter. What began as a statement of “We Are!” pride by PSU alum Lisa Aiello DeLeon over the school’s charitable giving turned into an ugly exchange when Olbermann responded with the word “pitiful” after “We are.”
We Are! @KeithOlbermann http://t.co/c5vmqIuW7G
— Lisa Aiello DeLeon (@lisaadeleon) February 23, 2015
The school’s panhellenic annual dance marathon raised more than $13 million for patients and families at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center impacted by pediatric cancer. In January, Olbermann expressed his outrage when the NCAA restored the 112 wins that were taken away as part of the punishment handed down over the Jerry Sandusky scandal. While his anger over the NCAA’s about-face may be justified, to take it out on a segment of students who were not involved in the Sandusky incident, and were participating in a noble cause, is several hundred miles off base. Whether on his own, or with the promoting of the ESPN brass, Olbermann apologized.
I apologize for the PSU tweets. I was stupid and childish and way less mature than the students there who did such a great fundraising job.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) February 24, 2015
Olbermann’s history of transgressions includes an unauthorized appearance on The Daily Show with Craig Kilborn where he slammed ESPN, a pathetic on-air battle with Bill O’Reilly, and unauthorized political contributions. Olbermann quit or was fired from Fox News, MSNBC, and Current TV. His singular, acerbic style coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of sports has made him one of TV’s most polarizing figures. For the moment, those on Twitter are universally angered over his latest misfire. Social media views the apology as somewhat less than sincere.
@KeithOlbermann @lisaadeleon we're pitiful for raising over $13 million for pediatric cancer research? You're disgusting Keith
— mack (@mackpsu14) February 23, 2015
@KeithOlbermann @lisaadeleon never been so sincere about something but Keith needs to seek therapy and fast. Guys lost his mind.
— g_star11 (@RanellucciG) February 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/bflip33/status/570286965310021632
Screengrab via Keith Olbermann/YouTube