Supportive Robertson family likely to pull plug on "Duck Dynasty"

Standing firmly behind the patriarch of the behemoth and successful "Duck Dynasty" franchise the Robertson family is ready to pull the plug on the enterprise.

On the parent "Duck Commander" web page the family provides a statement that includes an unqualified supportive backing for Phil Robertson whose "GQ" magazine negative comments about the gay lifestyle sent a maelstrom of protest.

So much so that the cable network announced it was suspending Phil Robertson's appearance on the mega-hit "Duck Dynasty" series after the all-ready taped next season appears starting in January.

That action by A&E touched off a backlash against the cable network with an on-line Facebook petition attracting the names of several hundred thousand supporters. None more important nor telling than the rest of the Robertson clan, which has taken to its web page to make a statement regarding the entire matter.

This is the family's statement as it appears on the Duck Commander's web page, www.duckcommander.com:

"We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support.  The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E's decision.

"We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.

"While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible.

"Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself'.' ”

"Phil would never incite or encourage hate,

"We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right

"We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.

"We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. 

"Again, thank you for your continued support of our family."

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrschk@Ameritech.net