Brian Williams Will Step Down Until Further Notice

NBC News anchor Brian Williams is stepping down for the time being, following an announcement today from NBC, according to the Associated Press.

Communicating through an email sent to co-workers, Williams said that he's become 'too much a part of the news' and he's asked Lester Holt to step in for him until the latest controversy is resolved.

"In the midst of a career spent covering and consuming news, it has become painfully apparent to me that I am presently too much a part of the news, due to my actions," the statement said.

Williams is embroiled in a controversy over statements he's made that he admits were untrue, that placed him in a helicopter that was shot down over Iraq during war coverage in 2003 for NBC News.  Additionally, he's being questioned over statements he made about hurricane coverage in New Orleans where he claimed he witnessed a dead body floating by outside his hotel in the French Quarter.  Some officials in New Orleans have challenged that statement, claiming the French Quarter was relatively free of severe flooding during Hurricane Katrina.  Another claim by Williams is that he suffered from dysentery during hurricane coverage.  Health officials in New Orleans say there were no reported cases of dysentery during the Katrina disaster.

William's hiatus isn't permanent, at least for now.  Williams, in his statement today said, "Upon my return, I will continue my career-long effort to be worthy of the trust of those who place their trust in us."