ESPN today apologized for a segment that aired on Tuesday's edition of Sports Center, during which a reporter spoke with St. Louis Rams players about teammate Michael Sam's showering habits. Sam is the NFL's first openly gay player.
In a statement posted to ESPN's website, the company stated:
ESPN regrets the manner in which we presented our report. Clearly on Tuesday we collectively failed to meet the standards we have set in reporting on LGBT-related topics in sports.
ESPN also expressed its 'sincere regrets' on Wednesday's edition of Sports Center.
GLAAD has been in communication with ESPN to emphasize the serious harms of stereotypes and the company's responsibility to do better.
In May, ESPN received accolades and was credited for raising the bar in LGBT-inclusive reporting for its coverage of Michael Sam's draft and, in particular, the network's broadcast of a moving kiss shared between Sam and his boyfriend upon Sam learning he had been drafted to the St. Louis Rams.
Tuesday marked the first round of NFL cuts, which requires each team must pare down its roster to just 75 players. Sam, who delivered a notable performance during a Saturday game versus the Cleveland Browns, was selected as one of the 75 players to remain on the St. Louis Rams.