ESPN Gets Torched for Robert Lee Decision
Published on 24-Aug-2017 by Raoul Duke
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Obviously, ESPN makes for an easy target these days.
Between the massive layoffs, poor content, and frequent hypocrisy, the Mothership has certainly functioned as its own worse enemy.
However, it isnn't always in the wrong.
ESPN made an internal decision to pull a broadcaster named Robert Lee from an upcoming University of Virginia football game.
The reasoning should be obvious, but for the uninitiated, there's a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee located in Charlottesville.
This symbolism was the catalyst for some extreme ugliness and gratuitous violence at a rally there, an incident that's created a national debate and political acrimony.
Of course, due to a leak within, the decision quickly become public fodder.
The Worldwide Leader has been forced to explain its rationale, which it's now done at length:
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Now, ESPN has been deservedly mocked in the past for a variety of reasons, but in this specific instance, it appears to be on the right side of this argument.
While the decision reeks of political correctness run amok, Skipper and the gang are simply being proactive due to the current climate and level of sensitivity online.
If Robert Lee had been allowed to work the game in Virginia, the Internet would have folded in on itself like a dying star, experiencing the equivalent of an electronic aneurysm.
Also, the fact that broadcaster Robert Lee is an Asian isn't relevant to the discussion, although it does add another level of humor to the situation.
Fear not, though.
If history is any guide, ESPN will do or say something absurd within the hour, opening itself up to further ridicule.