ESPN Fires Hank Williams Jr. Over Obama Hitler Comments [Video]

Earlier this week we told you that Hank Jr.'s iconic Monday Night Football intro song had been pulled prior to Monday night's game between the Inianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay because of comments Williams made comparing President Obama to Hitler. Now comes word that Williams has been permenantly fired by ESPN saying, "we have decided to part ways with Hank Williams Jr. We appreciate his contributions over the past years," the network said adding, "the success of Monday Night Football has always been about the games and that will continue."

Williams, however, claims he decided to leave on his own, writing on his website:

AFTER ESPN SUSPENDS HANK JR. FOR ONE WEEK, HANK JR. DECIDES TO PULL HIS SONG FROM BEING USED ON ESPN FOR THE REMAINDER OF SEASON!

"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."

Williams later issued an apology for his comments, both through a

representative and his website. The comments Williams made on 'Fox and Friends' can be seen below. Monday Night Football will certainly look different without Hank, but as Hank himself said, "it's been a great run."