Baldwin Wants Off of "30 Rock," NBC Balks

Say it's not so. Could Jack Donaghy want off of 30 Rock?

Actor Alec Baldwin, currently embroiled in the controversy stemming from his voicemail-heard-round-the-world in which he allegedly verbally abuses his daughter Ireland, has asked NBC to release him from his contract on the comedy series, which was recently picked up for a second season (and which wraps its freshman season tomorrow night).

NBC has publicly denied the request, stating that Baldwin, along with the rest of the cast, will be returning for Season Two of 30 Rock.

Baldwin meanwhile, wants off the series so he can spend time dealing with his "parental alienation" and with his ongoing legal battles with ex-wife Kim Basinger. Furthermore, Baldwin reportedly wanted to leave 30 Rock so that the cast and crew of the comedy would not "be hurt by the situation." He'll appear in a pre-taped segment on this Friday's edition of The View (set your TiVos now!) talking about the voicemail message and his behavior.

It's hard to imagine the brilliant 30 Rock without Baldwin or the loopy Donaghy. But I also worry how his performance on the series will suffer in the long run if his heart just isn't in what he's doing.

Is there a future for 30 Rock without Alec Baldwin? Discuss.