ESPN, Holly Robinson Peete Hate Lesbian Lacrosse Players

Feb 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Television actress Holly Robinson Peete poses in the press room at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards at the Shrine Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee

Oh, the irony of Peete pictured at the NAACP Image Awards (don’t get me started on this organization).

Once again, ESPN’s show, First Take, is in a controversial whirlwind. This time it involves a female guest-anchor for the day, Holly Robinson Peete. Peete, who has been immersed in sports for the majority of her life, stated an uncultured remark whilst describing her days in college. As Peete discussed her love for sports, the actress addressed her alma mater’s (Sarah Lawrence) lack of supremacy, i.e. “lesbian lacrosse team.”

Fans and naysayers, alike, have long said that ESPN’s First Take purposely embroils itself in questionable debates. I call them debates because that seems to be the premise of the show. However, debates about race are not out of bounds, I do find extensive use of the topic, in addition to other heated topics, to be limiting for the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader in Sports.

Peete’s use of “lesbian lacrosse” is not only offensive, but also derogatory and shameful. Is there something wrong with being gay? Are all female athletes gay? Peete doesn’t limit the conversation to lacrosse with her statement. No, she has grouped and labeled every female athlete into one ubiquitous category.

Statements like Peete’s are exactly why people, not only athletes, find it hard to come out. Instant backlash and egregious guilt flood peoples’ minds. Don’t you agree that no one, NO ONE, should be discriminated against for who they are? Acceptance is the first step.

Half-ass apology (below). First Take is disgraceful. I’ve had enough. It is imperative that the network takes responsibility for its actions.

And, yet again, ESPN’s First Take is the most talked about matter at the water cooler.

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10 Comments

  1. Coin on July 27, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    While i do agree with you, saying how wrong it is she groups an entire group of athletes “into one ubiquitous category” then turning around and grouping her individual actions as that of the entire show (see: “First Take is disgraceful”) has a slight ring of hypocrisy

  2. Coin on July 27, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    While i do agree with you, saying how wrong it is she groups an entire group of athletes “into one ubiquitous category” then turning around and grouping her individual actions as that of the entire show (see: “First Take is disgraceful”) has a slight ring of hypocrisy

  3. G on July 21, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Um if the lacrosse team was made up of lesbians, why would it be offensive to say “lesbian lacrosse team?”

    • Kevin Fonio ☎ on July 21, 2013 at 4:34 am

      Because it shouldn’t matter if they’re lesbian or not. They’re athletes, straight or gay.

    • Kevin Fonio ☎ on July 21, 2013 at 4:34 am

      Because it shouldn’t matter if they’re lesbian or not. They’re athletes, straight or gay.

    • Kevin Fonio ☎ on July 21, 2013 at 4:34 am

      Because it shouldn’t matter if they’re lesbian or not. They’re athletes, straight or gay.

  4. G on July 21, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Um if the lacrosse team was made up of lesbians, why would it be offensive to say “lesbian lacrosse team?”

  5. HONDO on July 18, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    If you dont mind sharing, what are your views on the NAACP?

  6. HONDO on July 18, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    If you dont mind sharing, what are your views on the NAACP?

  7. HONDO on July 18, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    If you dont mind sharing, what are your views on the NAACP?

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