OH THE SHEER GOSSIP OF IT ALL – AT 8:52 A.M. ET:  The beheading of the executive editor of The New York Times has much of the internet ablaze.  One reason is that the Times has been unusually blunt in describing Jill Abramson's departure as a dismissal rather than a "time to seek new opportunities" thing.   The paper's own reporting on the assassination is filled with slings and arrows.  It's clear Ms. Abramson wasn't Miss Congeniality. 

The New York Times dismissed Jill Abramson as executive editor on Wednesday, replacing her with Dean Baquet, the managing editor, in an abrupt change of leadership.

Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., the publisher of the paper and the chairman of The New York Times Company, told a stunned newsroom that had been quickly assembled that he had made the decision because of “an issue with management in the newsroom.”

Ms. Abramson, 60, had been in the job only since September 2011. But people in the company briefed on the situation described serious tension in her relationship with Mr. Sulzberger, who was concerned about complaints from employees that she was polarizing and mercurial. She had also had clashes with Mr. Baquet.

COMMENT:  Other than that, she was a swell girl, and we wish her well in her forthcoming marriage to the Devil. 

You may be sure of one thing:  Ms. Abramson will receive major book offers in the coming seconds.  You may also be sure she has some kind of agreement with The Times to remain silent on the details.  If there's anything the free press hates it's employees who talk to the press.

May 15,  2014