Grey's Area: Why Did Heigl Exit Emmy Competition?

Grey's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl, who walked away with an Emmy last year (in the best supporting actress category), has opted to not even enter the race this time around. That makes her the only one of last year's eligible winners to not throw his/her hat back into the ring, and that is... unusual. Why is Heigl MIA from the ballot? "I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination," she explains to the L.A. Times' Gold Derby site, "and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the academy organization, I withdrew my name from contention." In addition, she adds, "I did not want to potentially take away an opportunity from an actress who was given such materials." Though the back end of Heigl's statement deserves props for its air of fairness and nobility, her comment on the caliber of the scripts she was given this past season is at risk of being seen as a dig at the Grey's writing staff. Update: When contacted by TVGuide.com, Heigl's publicist declined to elaborate on or clarify the actress' comments. - Matt Mitovich POLL: Should Heigl be fired? Vote here. Related: " Heigl to Escape from Hollywood Comedies? " Katherine Heigl Leaving Grey's? Find Out Now! " Grey's Star Heigl: Gizzie Was "a Ratings Ploy"