So Far We're Big Fans Of The New ESPN Ombudsman (Updated)

We were one of we assume many who wrote to ESPN's new ombudsman last week about the douchebaggery that is Colin (redacted). And Le Anne Schreiber has apparently got our backs.

Cowherd's 'attack' on blog: 'Zero tolerance' (ESPN)

The "random site" he chose to attack was thebiglead.com, a sports blog that is sometimes unmercifully critical of ESPN. "We shut it down in 90 seconds," Cowherd boasted on air. "We don't even know thebiglead." After a bit more gloating, he said "We apologize -- but just don't screw with us." Then he asked his listeners to "knock it out again, just for fun."

It seems she understands completely why we were all so mad. Good job.

Some of the politer terms my correspondents used to describe Cowherd's behavior were immature, irresponsible, arrogant, malicious, destructive and dumb. I agree.

The official response from ESPN's communication department was: "Our airwaves should not be used for this purpose. We apologize." It is the kind of bland public statement that does little to assuage the anger and distrust of ESPN's audience over an episode like this. I could not tell from that statement how seriously ESPN regarded the offense, so I contacted Traug Keller, senior vice president, ESPN Radio, to get a clearer idea of ESPN's reaction.

Keller responded immediately to my request for an on-the-record statement. "We talked to Colin Cowherd, and we talked to all our radio talent, making it clear that you cannot do this," Keller said Friday. "Our airwaves are a trust, and not to be used to hurt anyone's business. Such attacks are off limits. Zero tolerance. I can't say it any stronger."

That's nice and all Traug, but it is this asshole going to be punished?

Keller said that he had not formulated a policy about such attacks on Internet sites until now because he had never imagined the possibility of them.

I appreciated Keller's quick, forthright response.

I don't. Suspend or fire that jackass.

Now that ESPN Radio hassuch a policy, I presume such attacks will be treated as an offense that warrants suspension.

So that's it? "No previous policy" allows him to get away with a tap (not even a slap) on the wrist? I call bullsh*t. Le Anne, thanks for trying, but ESPN is kind of like Major League Baseball. They really don't give a flip about the people that pay their salaries. That is more apparent now than ever.

UPDATE: Here's a petition to get Colin (redacted) fired. It's probably an effort in futility, but I signed it anyway and you can too. I was the 15,479th person to sign it. Impressive.