Bob Costas: Jenner Winning ESPN’s ‘Courage Award’ a ‘Tabloid Play’

NBC sportscaster Bob Costas reacted on NBC’s “Dan Patrick Show” to Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner receiving the 2015 Arthur Ashe Courage Award from ESPN at the ESPYs on July 15.

Costas, who said we are “moving to a more tolerant society,” explained ESPN honors Jenner, who has assumed the name Caitlyn, as a result of a “gawker factor.” He believes the cable network could have found someone else more deserving.

“I think we’re moving toward a more tolerant society and that’s all for the good and I wish Caitlyn all of the happiness in the world. However, it strikes me that awarding the Arthur Ashe Award to Caitlyn Jenner is just a crass exploitation play. 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 award represents.”

Costas added, “I think this is just 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.”

Follow Trent Baker on Twitter @MagnifiTrent