During a passionate two-hour ESPN college football conference call last month to discuss race following the death of George Floyd, there were riveting and emotional testimonials from on- and off-air people as hundreds listened. About a half-hour in, as ESPN’s Maria Taylor discussed the issue and her experience, a play-by-play man for the network, Dave LaMont, could be heard in the background, apparently thinking his phone was on mute. LaMont described the nature of the call on race as “venting,” which stunned those listening and immediately caused a rebuke from Taylor, who warned there could be ramifications if he did...