The big news today is 12-year NBA veteran Jason Collins announcement that he is gay in a Sports Illustrated article. There has been speculation for weeks that an athlete from one of the four major, American team sports would come out soon - most of that speculation centered around potential NFL players.
In the fight for LGBT equality, this is a big day. It firmly inserts the debate into one of the largest arenas of American pop-culture - professional sports. But this post is not about the impact of Collins' announcement or even the morality of homosexuality. Over the next few days people will align themselves in support or against Collins and the issue of homosexuality in general. One of those people who has done so already is ESPN NBA analyst Chris Broussard.
Putting aside whether Broussard is "right" or "wrong," my question is, is an ESPN analyst the correct person to speak out against homosexuality? Certainly Broussard is entitled to his opinion, no matter whether I agree with him or not. I don't think there is a clear answer here - Broussard is not strictly a reporter who is asked to remain objective. He often argues with other analysts on a variety of shows like First Take. His articles are not kept to just factual reporting, but as an analyst gives a healthy dose of opinion.
With this in mind, is his opinion regarding the morality of sexuality relevant in the context of ESPN? Does ESPN have any business covering the moral aspect of the issue - or just how it impacts sports and the culture of sports?
One thing is for sure, today's events will certainly crank up an already heated debate.
UPDATE: ESPN released a statement regarding Broussard's words:
"We regret that a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today's news. ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins' announcement."
For a far better analysis then I could ever hope to write, check out Kate Aurthur's piece on BuzzFeed.
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