Keith Olbermann just released the below "Statement To The Viewers Of Countdown"

[Contrary1]

Statement To The Viewers Of Countdown

I want to sincerely thank you for the honor of your extraordinary and ground-rattling support.

Your efforts have been integral to the remedying of these recent events, and the results should remind us of the power of individuals spontaneously acting together to correct injustices great or small.

I would also like to acknowledge with respect the many commentators and reporters, including those with whom my politics do not overlap, for their support.

I also wish to apologize to you viewers for having precipitated such anxiety and unnecessary drama. You should know that I mistakenly violated an inconsistently applied rule – which I previously knew nothing about -- that pertains to the process by which such political contributions are approved by NBC. Certainly this mistake merited a form of public acknowledgment and/or internal warning, and an on-air discussion about the merits of limitations on such campaign contributions by all employees of news organizations.

Instead, after my representative was assured that no suspension was contemplated, I was suspended without a hearing, and learned of that suspension through the media.

You should also know that I did not attempt to keep any of these political contributions secret; I knew they would be known to you and the rest of the public. I did not make them through a relative, friend, corporation, PAC, or any other intermediary, and I did not blame them on some kind of convenient 'mistake' by their recipients.

When a website contacted NBC about one of the donations, I immediately volunteered that there were in fact three of them; and contrary to much of the subsequent reporting, I immediately volunteered to explain all this, on-air and off, in the fashion MSNBC desired.

I genuinely look forward to rejoining you on Countdown on Tuesday, to begin the repayment of your latest display of support and loyalty - support and loyalty that is truly mutual.

[mmonk]

1. Go Keith.

Yep, just got the email and came here to see if anyone posted it.

[de novo]

2. I believe you, but could you add a link?

[Contrary1]

4. Came in an email, but here's a link:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/41623368/A-Statement-to-the-Viewers-of-Countdown

[de novo]

5. Thanks!

[saracat]

3. Classy post. Keith takes responsibility. And fully explains.

I hope now he will always read whatever contract he signs! Good for him!

[ralps]

6. Yay for Keith!!

:hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :woohoo:

[activa8tr]

7. Where did you get your video .... Cat attacks dog?

Keith should do that to the MSNBC fuck-ups who suspended him without a hearing!

IMO

[EFerrari]

8. I'm so happy his audience went to bat for Keith.

Renews your faith in people.

[Swamp Rat]

9. Geaux KO!

:applause:

[chill_wind]

10. Good on K.O. Excellent response. Thanks for posting this.

Wherever his career takes him in the years left to come, he'll always be able to take the knowledge with him that his words and deeds from this era of his work really did matter to so many fans and listeners.

[PufPuf23]

11. KO is good man. I liked him many years ago as a sportswriter.

I made posts that thought he was gone and for this I apologize to KO and DU.

Also I did support his position. I would not blame KO from walking away; I have myself in similar and lesser circumstance said fuck you and lost my voice; so KO was wise with my respect.

[Demeter]

12. Bad Move Keith--You Are Making Management Look Even MORE Incompetent

by this beautiful bit of exposition.