Yankee Fans Rally at TV studios planned as anger grows over comedian's ‘perverted’ comments about the Yankee 3rd Baseman.
David Letterman has apologized for his "sexually perverted" comments about one of New York Yankees, [Third baseman Alex Rodriguez], amid calls from conservative groups for his resignation and boycotts of his show by viewers and advertisers. A group of Rodriguez supporters are even planning a rally tonight outside the show's studio at the Ed Sullivan theatre in New York's Times Square, despite the Rodriguez announcing today that he accepts Letterman's apology.
The 'Fire David Letterman' group, which includes Republican New York State Assemblyman Brian Kolb, are comparing Letterman's case to that of CBS radio host Don Imus, who was fired in 2007 for offensive comments about a black women's basketball team. On their website the group calls for Letterman to "be accountable for his disgraceful statements". A Facebook page set up for the rally has already attracted 1,369 comments and several hundred protestors could attend tonight.
The firestorm started when the TV talk show host joked during last Monday's taping of Late Night with David Letterman that New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez had "knocked up" Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's daughter during a family trip to a baseball game. Mr. Rodriguez’s spokesperson said that the Yankee third baseman was too “emotional and distraught to comment at this time, and was seeking psychological counseling to deal with the ‘pain’.” The Yankees declined to say whether or not A-Rod would be placed on the 15 day disabled list due to the incident.
Letterman tried to clear the air at the time; saying that his was under the impression that Mr. Rodriguez was still out due to hip surgery. Letterman did not realize, he said, that All-Star Third baseman was playing in the game. Despite the explanation, an angry Rodriguez maintained that the "sexually perverted comments" made by the 62-year-old presenter were "disgusting", and that he “would never sleep with any of Governor Palin’s daughters…well, maybe the hot one who got knocked up.”
Last night Letterman admitted his joke was "beyond flawed". He added: "My intent was completely meaningless compared to the [audience's] perception".
Letterman also said he was sorry to Rodriguez and the entire Yankee infield. "I would like to apologize, especially to Derek Jeeter and Robinson Cano –and also to manager Joe Girardi and George Steinbrenner and everybody else who was outraged by the joke. I'm sorry about it and I'll try to do better in the future. Thank you very much."
Mr. Rodriguez issued a statement today accepting Letterman's apology.
