Bob Costas says Caitlyn Jenner isn't 'deserving' of ESPN bravery award and that giving it to her is 'a crass exploitation play'
- Sportscaster slammed decision to give her Arthur Ashe Courage Award
- NBC man said somebody 'actively involved in sports' should get it
- Believes the decision is a cynical quest by ESPN for 'the gawker factor'
- Jenner called award 'a chance to stand as my true self in front of my peers'
- Ceremony on July 15 will be her first public appearance as a woman
Bob Costas has said that Caitlyn Jenner isn't 'deserving' of a bravery award she is to receive from ESPN in light of her gender transition.
The NBC sportscaster described the move as a 'crass exploitation play' by the network and suggested that somebody 'actively involved in sports' should get it instead.
Costas asserted that Jenner had been granted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award because she will offer a 'gawker factor' to the awards ceremony itself, and boost TV audience figures for the ESPYs award ceremony.
He offered his opinion on the Dan Patrick talkshow on Monday, around a week after it was confirmed that Jenner was to be granted the prestigious award.
'Gawker factor': NBC sportscaster Bob Costas, left, said he doesn't think Caitlyn Jenner, right, deserves ESPN's Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and that she was chosen to bring a 'gawker factor' to the TV ceremony
The news came in the same magazine article which revealed her new look to the world after extensive surgery to transition from her male identity as Olympic athlete Bruce to a female one.
Transition: Caitlyn Jenner revealed her new look at the start of this month, and at the same time was announced as the award recipient
Her acceptance speech at the Los Angeles awards ceremony on July 15 will be her first public appearance since transitioning. She said it will offer her the chance to 'stand as my true self in front of my peers'.
She plans to appear on stage with all ten of her children and stepchildren, including the Kardashian sisters.
She will join recent recipients like Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, and sportscaster Robin Roberts, who survived breast cancer and the blood disease myelodysplastic syndrome.
In his appearance on the talkshow, Costas said he wished Jenner 'all the happiness in the world and all the peace of mind in the world' - but was clear that he disagreed with her award.
He said: 'It strikes me that awarding the Arthur Ashe award to Caitlyn Jenner is just a crass exploitation play. It’s a tabloid play.
'In the broad world of sports, I’m pretty sure [ESPN] could have found - and this is not anything against Caitlyn Jenner - I’m pretty sure they could have found someone who was much closer to actively involved in sports, who would have been deserving of what that award represents.
He concluded: 'I think this is a play to pump up audience the way lots of things are put on television, to attract eyeballs, not because of the validity, but because of whatever the kind of gawker factor is'.
In its statement announcing Jenner's award, an ESPN boss said the hoped honoring Jenner would 'give comfort' to other transgender people struggling with their identity.
Executive producer Maura Mandt said: 'Bruce [Jenner] has received many accolades over the years for being one of the greatest Olympians of our time, but The ESPYS are honored to celebrate Bruce becoming Caitlyn.'
Sports hero: Jenner has been one of America's most prominent athletes since winning a gold medal in the decathlon in 1976, pictured above
'She has shown the courage to embrace a truth that had been hidden for years, and to embark on a journey that may not only give comfort to those facing similar circumstances, but can also help to educate people on the challenges that the transgender community faces.'
Jenner herself was also quoted in the statement. She said: 'In the past few months, the overwhelming outpouring of support from all over the world for my journey has been incredible'.
'However, being honored with this award, which is named after one of my heroes, is truly special. For the first time this July, I will be able to stand as my true self in front of my peers.'
She also posted the news on her new Twitter account, asking: 'What the hell am I going to wear?'
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