Bob Costas Explains His Usain Bolt-Bob Marley Comment That Sparked Internet Outrage
On Late Night With Seth Meyers, Olympics broadcasting legend Bob Costas cleared up a statement he made in Rio comparing the popularity in Jamaica of sprinter Usain Bolt to music legend Bob Marley.
“With apologies to all you reggae fans, I think Bolt has even outdistanced Marley the way he outdistances the field,” the sportscaster said on NBC after Bolt won the 100-meter finals.
Of course, the Internet was mad, but it just so happens that things were taken out of context. Costas said he was referring to an interview he conducted with the nine-time gold-medal winner that aired moments before the finals.
Costas told Meyers, “[Bolt] said, ‘I can’t tell you how big I am here, man. The only possible person that’s as big as me in Jamaica is Bob Marley.’”
And while Costas reminded everyone that he meant no disrespect to Marley, it sounds like he’s leaving the argument open for debate.
“[Bolt] has done it in front of billions of people worldwide,” Costas said about the timing of his comments. “And at that moment, they’ve got shots of Jamaicans all over the streets celebrating and the whole thing.”
Watch the most awkward moments from Today in Rio:
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