Contact: ESPN Communications, 860-766-2232

BRISTOL, Connecticut, Jan. 29 /Standard Newswire/ -- ESPN continues to have dialogue with faith organizations regarding the inappropriate behavior and comments by Dana Jacobson at a recent roast. The comments, which were delivered in the context of Notre Dame football and its "Touchdown Jesus" icon, were wrong and inexcusable. Following a suspension, Jacobson returned to work Monday and offered the following on-air apology to begin the First Take program she co-hosts.

Dana Jacobson's on-air apology

"Before we do start First Take, there is something that I want to address. There has been a lot of attention surrounding my inappropriate behavior and comments at a roast earlier this month of my friends Mike (Greenberg) and Mike (Golic). I want to once again say how truly sorry I am for my poor choices and bad judgment that night. I have taken responsibility for what I did say and do and realize why it was wrong.

"There are no do-overs in life, so all I can do is what we all do when we make mistakes – learn from them. As a person, and even a broadcaster, I can tell you I have already learned a lot from mine. Several people told me last week mistakes do not define us. It is how we respond to those mistakes that does. I believe that. I hope you can forgive me and allow my future to define me.

"Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, and viewers who have shown me support during this difficult time. Most importantly, ESPN, for its unwavering support and the opportunity to return to this job. The job that I love. Now it is time to get back to that job."