BY Herschel Smith
10 years, 8 months ago
Politico:
Sports broadcaster Bob Costas is not backing down in the face of criticism for his outspoken advocacy of gun control. In fact, he’s challenging his critics to a bet.
Costas was asked about the controversial political positions he has taken on the air, including gun control, in an interview with “Late Night” host Seth Meyers, and said it’s very much an issue in sports that deserves to be talked about.
“Here’s what I would say to anybody who any time they hear the word guns automatically goes off, like, ‘Oh, they’re going to repeal the Second Amendment,’” Costas said. “Let’s make a bet, you and me. Let’s say over the next five years we’ll do a Google search. We’ll have an independent party monitor it. You keep track of how many good and constructive things are associated with athletes having a gun, and I’ll keep track of all the tragedies and criminality and folly. And let’s see who comes out ahead or behind as the case may be.”
Costas said regardless of Americans’ positions on gun control generally, it’s undeniable that sports has a “gun culture.”
“Sports has a gun culture.” Well so does the South, Bob, and I can say that because I live here. Why, just a few minutes ago I was shopping online at Hyatt Gun Shop (2330 hours) and more than 5000 people were online doing the same thing. We don’t run around shooting each other like you seem to think athletes do. What I think you’re really saying is that professional athletes can’t be trusted, and that makes you a racist.
