Martin Bashir resigns from MSNBC after ill-advised comments regarding Sarah Palin

After weeks of fallout following his ill-advised comments regarding the former half-term governor of Alaska, Martin Bashir has resigned from MSNBC:

"Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the president of MSNBC, I have tendered my resignation," the email read in part. "It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments."

In a statement, MSNBC president Phil Griffin paid tribute to Bashir:

“Martin Bashir resigned today, effective immediately. I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with MSNBC. Martin is a good man and respected colleague – we wish him only the best.”

Bashir had been a host on the network since 2011, and had frequently raised eyebrows with his hyperbolic commentary. But his comments in November in response to remarks about slavery by Palin touched off a firestorm. Among other things, Bashir said that someone should defecate and urinate in Palin's mouth, a punishment delivered to some slaves. He apologized, but the comments continued to haunt him.

I'm no fan of Palin, but the remarks were way past acceptable for any respectability for a journalist. This is an appropriate action that needed to be taken.