Bob Costas does not support ESPN’s decision to honor Caitlyn Jenner with a bravery award in the wake of her public transition.
The 63-year-old sportscaster called the decision to award Jenner at the upcoming ESPY Awards “a crass exploitation play” and insists that someone “actively involved in sports” should have been chosen for the prestigious honor.
Costas gave his opinion on “The Dan Patrick Show” Monday after it was confirmed last week that Jenner, 65, will be granted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs in LA on July 15. This will be the former Olympian’s first public appearance since transitioning.
The NBC host wished Jenner “all the happiness in the world and all the peace of mind in the world,” but added, “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.”
In a statement announcing the award, ESPN exec Maura Mandt said she hopes this recognition of the reality star will “give comfort” to other transgender people struggling with their identity.
The former athlete issued her own statement after learning of the honor, saying, “For the first time this July, I will be able to stand as my true self in front of my peers.”
She also posted the news to Twitter and quipped, “What the hell am I going to wear?”