ESPN reporter Chris Broussard sure poked the ol' hornets' nest on the show Outside the Lines Monday afternoon by spouting off some less-than-welcoming views on homosexuality following a historic day for gay athletes.
NBA veteran Jason Collins revealed he's gay on Monday morning, making him the first male athlete in a major American pro sport to come out while still an active player. Support poured in from celebrities online, and the overall reaction on Twitter was overwhelmingly positive. Collins later took to Twitter himself to thank fans for the "truly inspirational" show of support.
Broussard, however, took a different view, saying on Outside the Lines that homosexuality is "an open rebellion to God." Here's video of some of Broussard's comments, along with a response from openly gay ESPN columnist LZ Granderson:
Broussard's take (here's a full transcription via NBA blogger Ben Golliver) immediately stirred up plenty of controversy on Twitter. Many sports fans and observers were outraged:
Wonder why jocks stay in closet? "Chris Broussard on ESPN: 'I'm a Christian. I don't agree with homosexuality. I think it's a sin.'"— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) April 29, 2013
People like @chris_broussard make me sick and he calls himself a Christian. I thought Christians are suppose to be accepting of all— Nick Rivers (@NickRivers216) April 30, 2013
Others criticized Broussard's detractors for not giving his views the same tolerance they demand he afford Collins, and backed up his opinion:
@mac_jazz completely agree. It's as wrong to discriminate Broussard for his beliefs and lifestyle as it is to discriminate Collins.— Clark Schmutz (@Clarkpojo) April 30, 2013
Some, however, had a more basic question about why ESPN -- which has a history of ginning up controversy -- brought Broussard onto Outside the Lines in the first place:
Chris Broussard's beliefs aren't the issue - it's that @espn asked a Basketball Analyst for religious commentary. How does that make sense?— Jack Appleby (@JackMEB) April 30, 2013
Another ESPN writer, Rob Parker, was forced to apologize in December after inviting a maelstrom of criticism for harshly questioning the 'blackness' of star NFL rookie Robert Griffin III. He was later fired, triggering speculation about whether Broussard, too, will be reprimanded for his Monday comments.
UPDATE: ESPN issued this comment on Monday night:
“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.”
Broussard posted this statement to Twitter, also on Monday night:
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.
Should Broussard be punished by ESPN, or were his comments in-bounds? Give us your take below.