A Reason To Respect Jason Whitlock?!?!?

Yes, it's true. Even I, perhaps the staunchest critic of Jason Whitlock have found something that makes him actually respectable. Here it is, courtesy of Deadspin:

James Cohen, an executive at the network, called me Monday and asked me whether the comments attributed to me in the interview were true. When I said "yes," he informed me that I could no longer appear on ESPN television shows and that my November appearances on "Pardon the Interruption" would be canceled.

I wasn't surprised. ESPN, a terrific network, has always been hypersensitive to criticism, especially when it comes from its independent-contract employees. Over the six years I've worked for ESPN, I've received complaining phone calls from its executives almost every time I've written a critical word about the network.This was inevitable.

ESPN does not tolerate criticism. Sportswriters far more distinguished than yours truly -- Tony Kornheiser, John Feinstein and T.J. Simers -- have been banned/suspended for comments perceived to be detrimental to the World Wide Leader.

I'm sure my move from ESPN .com to AOL Sports was viewed as an act of disloyalty by some within the network.It wasn't. It was just the act of a guy who values his ability to think, act and speak independently more than he does seeing his face on ESPN.

I concur. Well done, although I still think you're an assclown. Also, bonus points for lovin' on Kornheiser.