The new Monday Night Football experience

By Jaime Greco | gargoyle@flagler.edu

After making a statement comparing Adolf Hilter and President Barack Obama on Fox News on Oct. 3, Hank Williams Jr. and his song, “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” were cut from the Monday Night Football introduction.

But the introduction song has not swayed Flagler College students who enjoy Monday Night Football.

“Honestly, I didn’t even notice. I don’t really start paying attention until kickoff. I watch for the game, not for commercials and performers,” said John Izzi, 20, a Flagler College business major.

ESPN initially pulled his song for only one night of Monday Night Football when his statement was first made.

With this decision, Williams, made his own decision saying in a statement to the Associated Press, “After reading hundreds of e-mails, I have made MY decision. By pulling my opening Oct 3rd, 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.”

ESPN responded to Williams’ statement saying, “We have decided to part ways with Hank Williams Jr. We appreciate his contributions over the past years. The success of Monday Night Football has always been about the games and that will continue.”

“I heard about the statement made about Obama and I was glad ESPN pulled his song. As for changing my experience of Monday Night Football, as long as the game goes on, I’m happy,” said Rob Strott, 20, a Flagler College history major.

“I couldn’t believe the statement he made about Obama. It really shows ESPN’s dedication to our country and the tradition of football as an American tradition to put their foot down and pull the song,” said Ethan Reynolds, 21, a Flagler College communication major.

The general consensus of ESPN pulling the song is that Monday Night Football is about the games.