ESPN's Chris Broussard Says Being Gay Is "An Open Rebellion To God"

Well, after ESPN had a fairly terrible morning covering the Jason Collins story, it looked like the network was making progress this afternoon: Smart news hour Outside The Lines would expand to a full hour to discuss the NBA player's announcement. Fantastic.

Or maybe not. OTL booked Chris Broussard to have a discussion with openly gay correspondent LZ Granderson, and it rapidly devolved into a talk about whether or not gay sex is sinful. Huh? (Broussard's let his thoughts on this matter be known before).

Broussard is entitled to his opinion, of course, but it's unclear why it's necessary or even relevant at this hour. If he wants to report on how all a whole bunch of NBA players were ready to puke today at the news of Jason Collins's coming out, then OK, fair game. He's got his sources, so that's news. Broussard's opinions aren't.

Granderson, it should be said, hits his fellow guest with a lovely kicker at the end of the video above. All of this feels like it's from the 90's.

UPDATE, 11:15 p.m.: ESPN released the following statement:

We regret that a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today’s news. ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement.

UPDATE, 12:33 a.m.: Here's Chris Broussard's statement:

Today on OTL, as part of a larger, wide-ranging discussion on today's news, I offered my personal opinion as it relates to Christianity, a point of view that I have expressed publicly before. I realize that some people disagree with my opinion and I accept and respect that. As has been the case in the past, my beliefs have not and will not impact my ability to report on the NBA. I believe Jason Collins displayed bravery with his announcement today and I have no objection to him or anyone else playing in the NBA.