ESPN Writer Clarifies Remarks On Gay NBA Player As Media Adjust To New Reality
Chris Broussard became part of the story yesterday with his outspoken comments about NBA player Jason Collins‘ coming-out in a Sports Illustrated column, making the journeyman center America’s first openly gay major sports figure. Broussard, a Christian and a longtime respected NBA beat writer who now works for ESPN The Magazine, called homosexuality a sin during a segment on the network’s newsmagazine OTL discussing Collins’ revelation. Not sure why anyone is surprised that a TV commentator provided commentary — agree or disagree with his take that’s what they pay the guy for, and he won’t be the last to offer an opposing view in this debate — but it prompted an apology from ESPN last night and a clarification by Broussard via Twitter:
Today on OTL, as part of a larger, wide-ranging discussion on today’s news, I offered my personal opinion as it relates to Christianity, a point of view that I have expressed publicly before. I realize that some people disagree with my opinion and I accept and respect that. As has been the case in the past, my beliefs have not and will not impact my ability to report on the NBA. I believe Jason Collins displayed bravery with his announcement today and I have no objection to him or anyone else playing in the NBA.
Collins appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America this morning and said of Broussard: “I am a Christian. I will state that very proudly…. You can’t please everyone.” More broadly, it will be interesting to watch how the media cover stories like Collins’ (there will be more of them assuredly now), as players, coaches and their fans aren’t the only ones who must adjust and respond to what could be just the start of one of sports’ most important stories in decades.
Here’s Broussard’s original OTL remarks to judge for yourselves:
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