NBC’s Brian Williams Suspended for 6 Months Without Pay for Faux Iraq News Story

NBC NEWS MOTTO: IT AIN’T A LIE UNLESS YOU GET CAUGHT … BRIAN WILLIAMS SUSPENDED.

The Politico is reporting that effective immediately NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams has been suspended for six months without pay for his faux Iraq war news story in 2003. Gee, it only took over 10 years for NBC to act against Williams, even though it was known by many at NBC that it was a false story. Not until Iraq war vets finally called Williams on his BS did NBC finally act. That, and a bad attempt at an apology. NBC suit, Steve Burke, the CEO of NBC Universal, stated that his actions “are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate.” REALLY? This is a PR nightmare for NBC and they are just looking to make this story go away. Is Williams finished at NBC News? Many think so and that this is just a behind the scene way to do so. What happens when Williams stories of seeing floating bodies in the French Quarter from his hotel following Hurricane Katrina and him looking down the tube of an RPG are investigated?

NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams has been suspended for six months without pay following his false claims about an experience he had during the Iraq war, NBC News president Deborah Turness announced Tuesday night.

“We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately,” Turness wrote in a memo to staff. “We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.”

In addition to Williams’ false claims about Iraq, Turness said she the Comcast/NBCUniversal brass had “concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.”

NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke released the following statement:

“This has been a painful period for all concerned and we appreciate your patience while we gathered the available facts. By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate. Brian’s life’s work is delivering the news. I know Brian loves his country, NBC News and his colleagues. He deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone’s trust.”

CNN’s Dan Abrams: ‘They are worried about other stuff coming out and this is their way of punting.”