ESPN threw a flag on “Monday Night Football” staple Hank Williams Jr. Monday after the country music star equated President Obama with Adolf Hitler.  Williams appeared on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” program Monday morning when the subject of Obama’s golf summit with House Speaker John Boehner came up. 

Williams, who called the golf match a mistake, took it a step further.

“It would be like Hitler playing golf with [Israeli leader] Benjamin Netanyahu,” Williams said. “In the shape this country's in?”

Williams’ iconic “Monday Night Football” theme song was pulled from Monday’s game telecast as a result of the comment.  ESPN released the following statement: 

“While Hank Williams Jr. is not an ESPN employee, we recognize he is closely linked to our company through the opening of 'Monday Night Football.' We are extremely disappointed with his comments, and as a result have decided to pull the open from tonight's telecast.”

Williams also issued a statement.  “Some of us have strong opinions and are often misunderstood. My analogy was extreme -- but it was to make a point. I was simply trying to explain how stupid it seemed to me -- how ludicrous that pairing was. They're polar opposites and it made no sense. They don't see eye-to-eye and never will. I have always respected the office of the president.”

It is unclear whether the theme song will return for next Monday’s game.