Bob Costas: Decision to Give Caitlyn Jenner ESPY Award a ‘Crass Exploitation Play’

Caitlyn Jenner is being honored by ESPN with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the upcoming ESPYs, a move that has been met with much controversy. There was a hoax about Jenner getting the award over an Iraq war vet, but people are still upset at Jenner receiving the award over more deserving people, despite Jenner being a very famous sports name who’s being heralded for her courage to publicly transition.

Bob Costas is one of those critics, saying on The Dan Patrick Show today that while he wishes Jenner “all the happiness in the world” and is encouraged by how much more tolerant America has become, he’s not on board with the decision.

“Awarding the Arthur Ashe award to Caitlyn Jenner is just a crass exploitation play,” Costas said. “It’s a tabloid play. In the broad world of sports, I’m pretty sure they could have found –– and this is not anything against Caitlyn Jenner – –I’m pretty sure they could have found someone who was much closer to actively involved in sports who would have been deserving of what that ward represents.”

And while he didn’t deny it took courage for Caitlyn Jenner to come out, he believes ESPN made the decision for the “gawker factor” and could have found more deserving candidates.

Watch the video below, via NBCSN:

[h/t Chicago Sun-Times]
[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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