‘Crass Exploitation’: Bob Costas Slams ESPY Choice For Arthur Ashe Award
Bob Costas’ claims of “crass exploitation” in regard to Caitlyn Jenner hit a lot of raw nerves.
Costas’ claim is in reference to Jenner receiving the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the ESPY awards in July, according to Alabama.com. While being interviewed on the Dan Patrick Radio Show, Costas, in a carefully crafted statement, said, “It strikes me that awarding the Arthur Ashe Award to Caitlyn Jenner is just a crass exploitation play — it’s a tabloid play.”
He added, “In the broad world of sports, I’m pretty sure they could’ve found someone — and this is not anything against Caitlyn Jenner — who was much closer actively involved in sports, who would’ve been deserving of what that award represents.”
Many have lobbied the ESPY awards to reconsider the recipient so it doesn’t smack of “crass exploitation.” Many have asked that Lauren Hill, the 20-year-old Indiana basketball player that recently died of pediatric cancer, be given the Ashe award instead.
Costas continued, saying “I think this is a play to pump up audience the way lots of things are put on television, to attract eyeballs, not because of the validity, but because of whatever the kind of gawker factor is,” further expounding on his “crass exploitation” statement.
Us Magazine is reporting that Costas’ issue is not with Jenner. In fact, Costas has wished Jenner nothing but the best in her future. Costas’ issue rises with ESPN and the ESPY, thus his “crass exploitation” statement.
“That’s not to say that it doesn’t take some measure of personal courage to do what Caitlyn Jenner has done, but I think every year we look across the landscape of sports and we find prominent people and kids in high school and amateur athletes who I think more closely fit the description of what they’re looking for — or should be looking for there.”
He further emphasized his “crass exploitation” comment is in no way targeted towards Jenner herself. “Bruce Jenner, who I did not know well, I always had a cordial and pleasant relationship with,” he began. “I wish Caitlyn Jenner well, and anyone — even if most of us do not fully understand it — anyone seeking to find the identity they’re comfortable with and to live the happiest possible life without intentionally hurting anyone else…I think we’re moving toward a more tolerant society, and that’s all for the good, and I wish Caitlyn all the happiness in the world and all the peace of mind in the world.”
For her part, Jenner has made no comment on Costas’ comments, but has made only one comment towards her accepting the award; “What the hell am I going to wear?”
[Image courtesy of Alabama.com]
