Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy bumped from ESPN

Comedian Will Ferrell’s Anchorman alter-ego Ron Burgundy has been bumped from the broadcasting schedule at U.S. sports network ESPN due to developments in a college footballer’s high-profile sexual assault case. The actor has been busy promoting the new sequel to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy by reprising his bumbling character for live broadcasts on a variety of TV news shows, but a planned appearance on SportsCenter on Thursday evening (05Dec13) has been axed in favour of coverage about Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston, who has been fighting allegations of rape dating back to last year (Dec12).
The state attorney of Lee County, Florida announced on Thursday that Winston would not be charged with any crime. The 19 year old’s lawyer claimed sex between the star player and the accuser had been consensual.
Ironically, Ferrell’s original 2004 comedy was based around Burgundy being ousted from a top news show. His ESPN guest spot, to promote Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, has not been rescheduled.