ESPN’s Olbermann out for week after Penn State comments

BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Keith Olbermann was taken off his ESPN show for the rest of the week after making insulting comments about Penn State students on Twitter.

On Monday, a Penn State alum tweeted to Olbermann the phrase “We Are!” and a link to an article about students raising more than $13 million to fight pediatric cancer. Olbermann replied “…Pitiful.”

Olbermann, who often spars with commenters on Twitter, then refused to back down in several more tweets, saying he was referring to Penn State students in general and not the fundraising.

“It was completely inappropriate and does not reflect the views of ESPN,” the network said in a statement Tuesday. “We have discussed it with Keith, who recognizes he was wrong. ESPN and Keith have agreed that he will not host his show for the remainder of this week and will return on Monday. The annual tradition of THON and the efforts of the students of Penn State to fight pediatric cancer should be applauded.”

Olbermann also apologized on Twitter on Tuesday, saying, “I was stupid and childish and way less mature than the students there who did such a great fundraising job.”

Olbermann returned to ESPN in summer 2013, vowing that his second stint would go better than his first. He had made his name with his catchphrases and sardonic tone as a “SportsCenter” anchor from 1992-97.

But his tenure ended amid harsh words and clashes with management over his right to do outside work. He was suspended briefly for not seeking permission to record public service announcements.

Two politically oriented jobs didn’t end well, either. After eight years as a prime-time host at MSNBC, he quit abruptly in January 2011. He later joined Current TV but lasted a year before he was taken off the air; he filed a lawsuit, which was settled out of court.

Lawyer: Ernie Banks assets worth $16K

CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs great Ernie Banks had assets worth just $16,000 when he died, an attorney for the woman who cared for him during his final years said Tuesday in a contentious court appearance over his will that prompted a judge to demand details.

Cook County Probate Judge James Riley gave caregiver Regina Rice 30 days to provide a full accounting of Banks’ estate at the time of his death last month at age 83.

Rice and Banks’ estranged wife, Elizabeth Banks, have fought over what he wanted done with his remains and who should inherit his estate. Elizabeth Banks prevailed with the remains, having them buried at a cemetery just a few blocks from Wrigley Field even though she said Rice wanted to cremate them.

Banks is now contesting a will that her husband signed in October ”“ without her knowledge, she contends ”“ that specifies that all of his assets go to Rice. An attorney for Ernie Banks’ two sons has also said they will contest the will.

At a short, contentious court hearing Tuesday, Elizabeth Banks’ attorneys expressed surprise that Rice’s attorney’s preliminary estimate of Ernie Banks’ worth was just $16,000. That prompted Riley to order Rice to provide documentation about assets including bank accounts, vehicles and baseball memorabilia. Rice also must seek the judge’s permission before selling assets during the legal fight over the estate.