In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans, former ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele has criticized the network for its failure to broadcast the national anthem ahead of the Sugar Bowl.
Steele expressed her dismay during an appearance on "OutKick the Morning," where she attributed the network's decision to "timing issues."
According to Fox News, Steele was visibly taken aback by ESPN's decision, which she deemed as a blatant disregard for the tragic event that had occurred in the city just a day prior. "It was so egregious, and I tweeted about it and I put it on my Instagram," Steele shared with OutKicks Charly Arnolt. She further expressed her disappointment, stating, "You are a mile away, maybe less than in New Orleans, from where all of those people were murdered on the morning of what was supposed to be the game that was airing on ESPN. And you chose to ignore it when people are suffering and its so much bigger than football? They were crushed. They were crushed, and deservedly so, for not doing it."
Steele also suggested that ESPN's decision to broadcast the pregame prayer the following week was a reactionary move in response to the backlash it received over the Sugar Bowl. She argued that the network had overcompensated, stating, "Do you need to show the prayer? And I also believe that the prayer was they said it was to pray for the victims of the California fires as well as the terrorist attack in New Orleans. [We're] a little late for that."
Steele, a devout individual who prays daily, questioned the network's inconsistency in its coverage. "But from a business perspective, what are we doing? Just be consistent. And I guess it wouldnt be a good thing if they were consistent in this case, would it? Because they [wouldve] continued to do the wrong thing for humanity."
Steele's critique of ESPN extends beyond this particular incident, as she expressed her broader disappointment with the network. "Thats what this is. This is bigger than business, this is bigger than sports. Its about humanity, and I guess [I] wasnt surprised by what happened at the Sugar Bowl. I was just so sad and disappointed because this is the reason why, one of many reasons why, ESPN as a whole is no longer what it once was."
Steele's comments underscore the importance of media outlets maintaining a balance between their business objectives and their responsibility to their audience, particularly in times of national tragedy. As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that media plays in shaping public sentiment and the necessity for it to uphold its duty to the public.
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