Wow! After reading the article, I didn’t feel like Hank Williams’ comment was offensive. He was simply making a statement, voicing his opinion, which everyone is entitled to according to the first amendment. For ESPN to go and remove his song as the song opener for Monday night football was a bit extreme; however, if ESPN felt that the sentiments expressed by Williams would indirectly taint their image, they have a right to elude this blemish by distancing themselves from Williams.

I feel like celebrities often times get in trouble for speaking before they think. Although celebrities are entitled to an opinion and the freedom of speech, they also have to keep in mind the fact that they don’t only represent themselves, but that they are often associated with the different brands that they endorse or are associated with. Because of this, celebrities take on the added responsibility of not only upholding their image, but the image of their sponsors/endorsers as well. People of authority with the power to influence public opinion often times have to sacrifice their first amendment rights. I don’t necessarily think this is fair, but this is the way it is.