ESPN Ombudsman covers the ESPN response to Jason Collins

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This is an very long article about ESPN's coverage of the Jason Collins story. It falls into so many categories (media, sports, religion, sexuality, journalism, and more) that I'm putting it into GD.

What are commentary boundaries at ESPN?

Jason Collins' coming-out party was a historic and controversial story, feel-good for some, an abomination for others and an "uncomfortable conversation" on "Outside the Lines" that still resonates in ESPN conference rooms and in the ombudsman's mailbag.

More than one ESPN manager told me it was "a learning experience" and then couldn't come up with what had been learned. How about this: The tricky trifecta of religion, race and sexuality exposed not only the fault-lines in "OTL's" preparation but the inconsistent performance of ESPN journalism in general. The old story won't die because it brings up too many unresolved questions that we will be addressing in my scheduled 18 months as ESPN's fifth ombudsman.
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In a host decision, Weissman asked Broussard to comment on Collins declaring himself a Christian in his SI essay. Several ESPN executives, in casual, off-the-record conversations, attributed that decision to inexperience. Broussard told me later that he "was stunned when Weissman asked me a direct question," but said he felt he "needed to let the viewer know where I'm at for context and clarity."
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Broussard said he went on the show as "an objective journalist," but, because it was OTL, he was ready to let the host lead him. As it turned out, Granderson led.

"I was satisfied," Broussard said. "I would do it again. It was what I believed. It was not out of hate, not in a judgmental way. It was conventional Christian doctrine.

"I got a lot of support from players afterward, especially from Christians, who loved it. Others told me I had the courage to speak out. They said 'You got big balls, brother, you the man.'"
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http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/7/what-are-commentary-boundaries-at-espn

[Doctor_J]

1. Since when does uttering right wing dogma on Big Media make someone brave?

Others told me I had the courage to speak out. They said 'You got big balls, brother, you the man.

Really? If I choose a channel at random it's almost guaranteed to be run and staffed by right wingers.

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2. This line puts it into context...

"There would be players, he said, who might be uncomfortable showering with and even just being around gays, but who didn't want to say so and risk being marked as bigots."