*Amid torrential backlash over its decision to give Caitlyn Jenner the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at this year’s ESPYs, ESPN has released a statement defending the choice, particularly over other candidates that social media has deemed more deserving.
Lauren Hill, the college basketball player who recently lost her battle with brain cancer, and Noah Galloway, the double-amputee Iraq War veteran and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant, were pointed out the most by folks expressing outrage as more worthy recipients.
ESPN had this to say in response:
The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is meant to honor individuals whose contributions transcend sports through courageous action. Sometimes that courage is demonstrated over the course of a lifetime and sometimes it is demonstrated in a single act that shines a light on an important contemporary issue. At all times, there are many worthy candidates. This year, we are proud to honor Caitlyn Jenner embracing her identity and doing so in a public way to help move forward a constructive dialogue about progress and acceptance.
Read ESPN’s June 1 announcement of Jenner as the Arthur Ashe Award recipient here.
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11 thoughts on “ESPN Defends Choosing Caitlyn Jenner for Arthur Ashe Courage Award”
June 4, 2015 at 10:06 am
Total utter bullshit… ESPN needs to shutup and go sit down. Everyone knows a PR stunt when they see one.. If they were really soo enamored with courage about a gay/or (whatever the requested title should be) coming out, then why didn’t Michael Sam receive the award?
June 6, 2015 at 12:00 am
This comment. lol
June 4, 2015 at 10:13 am
Maybe because Mike Sam wasnt even on an NFL team. Bruce Jenner is an Olympic Icon.
June 4, 2015 at 10:16 am
One word: RATINGS
Who really watches the Espys like that? More ratings this year, more sponsor money next year.
The other nominees are older stories, this just broke out almost a week ago and they made a decision that quick?
RATINGS – No more no less.
June 4, 2015 at 10:39 am
The Arthur Ashe Courage Award must have low standards and qualifications if they overlook Lauren Hill (college basketball player with brain cancer) and Noah Galloway (double amputee) for Caitlyn Jenner.
June 4, 2015 at 10:39 am
Anyone can have courage when they have a lot of money. Spare me this. I know many that are transgender and they have not money and tons of courage. So stupid. You people are vapid.
June 4, 2015 at 12:46 pm
There are millions of fake women all over the world. What’s so different about this one? Why does he deserve an award?
June 4, 2015 at 1:32 pm
I am sick of the Jenner/Kardasian BS!! Bruce Jenner is a SICK PUPPY!! BOTTOM LINE!! This country has gone to the dawgs!! Just why is Bruce Jenner brave for dressing like a woman?? I don’t give a shit WHAT he wears. I’m just sick of turning on the TV or reading on the internet and seeing Bruce Jenner/Caitlin Jenner’s name and photo everywhere I look!! What’s so great about him wanting to be a woman?? I don’t know about you guys, but MY God didn’t MAKE NO MISTAKES!! And God doesn’t hate the sinner, He hates the SIN!!! I wish they would give this mess a rest!! There’s absolutely NOTHING for Bruce Jenner to be proud of!! SHEESH!!!
June 4, 2015 at 9:35 pm
I totally agree with all of you. There’s no rhyme or reason for him to receive it. If he was still competing and running laps, I’d say go for it. His career has been over almost 40yrs ago. RATINGS, RATINGS, RATINGS . . .. . . isn’t the band-wagon full yet?
June 8, 2015 at 3:50 pm
Ratings that’s all they care about, and the only way they’ll learn is if we don’t tune in.
June 17, 2015 at 9:54 am
Lost all respect for ESPN. Higher ratings should never be a factor in selection process.