Controversial talk-show host Mark Madden has been permanently removed from the air by ESPN. The decision was made at the network's corporate headquarters in Bristol, Conn.

It comes five days after Madden made an inflammatory statement about Sen. Edward Kennedy.

"We've taken Mark off the air pursuant to our contractual rights," said Josh Krulewitz, the network's vice president for public relations.

On his radio show Wednesday, Madden said the following about Sen. Kennedy, who days earlier had been diagnosed with brain cancer: "I'm very disappointed to hear Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts is near death because of a brain tumor. I always hoped Senator Kennedy would live long enough to be assassinated."

Madden was last heard on his show Thursday, the day before his comments appeared in the Post-Gazette.

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Mark Madden has always been very controversial, he always made sly remarks about Bruno Sammartino and other sports celebrities. 

I guess  corporate management of ESPN couldn't take it any longer. 

I am really surprised he lasted as long as he did.

Georgie  [email protected]