Chris Broussard On Gays: When ESPN Debate Surpasses Its Purview
By Ty Duffy
Outside the Lines asked Chris Broussard his take on being gay. Broussard, who is religious and has made his opinion known before, termed it “walking in rebellion to God.” That quotation obviously won’t sit well with many, including me as a type this. The question, though, is why this was even a topic for “debate?”
ESPN set up a polar discussion between L.Z. Granderson, a gay columnist, and Chris Broussard, a reporter who thinks the lifestyle of gay men is sinful. Why? Was “homosexuality” a topic that requires balance? Was this juxtaposition of entrenched feelings furthering the discussion in any way? Were they going to find common ground? Or, was it just the cynical devotion to the pervasive trope of creating flash points to draw viewers’ attention?
Besides being offensive, this was just reaction for the sake of reaction. ESPN should be better, especially with topics weightier than Tim Tebow’s quarterback ability.
UPDATE: Statement from ESPN PR.
"“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.”"