Posted on 08/24/2014 2:25:26 PM PDT by dignitasnews
In a startling example of hypocrisy, ESPN features a video of singer Chris Brown "breaking ankles" during warm ups for a celebrity basketball game, praising his "skills" less than a month after suspending its own commentators for open and honest discussion on domestic violence. The clip, obtained from the Instagram account of "nitty71" was featured ob the sports networks site with the gushing title Chris Brown Breaks Ankles (video at end of article).
Courtesy of ESPN.
ESPN had suspended commentator Stephen A Smith for comments he made in late July related to the suspension of NFL running back Ray Rice, despite his very clear and strong statement that violence against women is a deplorable act and at no point acceptable. During a discussion with fellow commentator Skip Bayless on their ESPN show First Take, which focused on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to suspend the Baltimore Ravens running back for two games as a result of his domestic violence charges, generally thought to be a light sentence by sportswriters and fans alike. Smith began the statement that has the liberal media in an uproar by stressing that men "have no business putting your hands on a woman. I don't know how many times I have to reiterate that," as Bayless gestured in concurrence from his screen. He then continued, the following comments being what ESPN considered unacceptable, and thus prompted his suspension:
"But as a man who was raised by women, see I know what I’m going to do if somebody touches a female member of my family. I know what I’m going to do, I know what my boys are going to do. I know what, I’m going to have to remind myself that I work for the Worldwide Leader, I’m going to have to get law enforcement officials involved because of what I’m going to be tempted to do."
At this point Smith continues, this part of the exchange providing the left the ammunition they need to paint another villain in the "war against women."
"But what I’ve tried to employ the female members of my family, some of who you all met and talked to and what have you, is that again, and this what, I’ve done this all my life, let’s make sure we don’t do anything to provoke wrong actions, because if I come, or somebody else come, whether it’s law enforcement officials, your brother or the fellas that you know, if we come after somebody has put their hands on you, it doesn’t negate the fact that they already put their hands on you. So let’s try to make sure that we can do our part in making sure that doesn’t happen.”
ESPN also suspended broadcaster Max Kellerman, for comments he made during an interview when he acknowledged that he and his then-girlfriend (they have since married) had gotten into a slapping incident with each other following a part in which had both drank too much.
This devoted stance to "sensitivity to the destructive nature of domestic abuse,' however does not prevent them from capitalizing on singer Chris Brown's popularity and showing off his basketball skills. Brown has a history of violence and his calamitous relationship with fellow singer Rihanna are well documented. Following an incident which sent the female singer to the hospital, Brown went as far to get a tattoo which many say resembles the photos of a pulverized Rihanna after one of their scuffles.
One cannot necessarily blame ESPN for disciplining its employees and a desire to highlight the devastating impact that domestic violence has had on women in our nation, but these actions ring hollow in the light of their promotion of Brown. If they are going to punish open and honest discussion on the subject of domestic violence, ESPN may want to think twice before praising public figures like Chris Brown. A lack of consistency on their part only feeds the feelings of many, that the "worldwide leader in sports" is fast becoming the "worldwide leader in sycophancy."
Commentary by Paul M Winters Editor in Chief, Dignitas News Service
Sources:
ESPN Instagram HollywoodReporter
Calling your stupid, evil, wrong, moronic words about men who beat up women “honest” doesn’t launder them, or make them any less stupid or wrong.
When you talk about “the part” women play in their abuse, or say that they should take care not “provoke,” you’ve just shown your hand. You’re saying there can be MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES when it comes to violence against women. That sometimes it’s justified, and women can CAUSE it. You know, they have a “part” in it.
Good men simply do not think this way.
Who is this ESPN person? There is never a name.
Ask your cable or satellite provider to drop ESPN over this.
Sack that. I just dropped my cable provider. Nothing worth watching I can’t stream anyway.
They won’t give me a la carte cable then I will make it myself.
You may want to check your facts, Stephen A Smith never stated he hit a woman, and categorically stated that it is never acceptable.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.