A stunt by ESPN during a college football game involving Washington led to the network offering an apology to the university.
Earlier this month, Washington defeated California 38-7 in a game that was seen on ESPN. The win kept the Huskies undefeated on the season, but there was a considerable amount of talk afterward surrounding a segment by Quint Kessenich during the broadcast.
During the third quarter, Kessenich placed three cupcakes on the ground to illustrate three opponents Washington had previously played this season. He described Rutgers, Montana, and Fresno State as “cupcakes and cream puffs out of conference.” Take a look and listen below.
ESPN says Huskies are soft as cupcakes. R U Brave enough to show your pride in the team?https://t.co/Gm6ePVljD1pic.twitter.com/IFaFfbdtkq
— The Husky Haul (@HuskyHaul) October 13, 2017
The stunt did not sit well with many, including Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen.
“I felt more like that was such a disrespectful move for the people we play,” Cohen told the Seattle Times. “For those that do this, we do this because we love the kids. These are somebody’s sons, somebody’s brothers. They’re 18- to 22-year-old kids, and so I was more offended, not for us, as I was for our opponents.”
Cohen also revealed she received a phone call from a senior vice president at ESPN, who apologized for what took place on the air.
“It was a class act, and he made the right call,” Cohen said. “I think Chris [Petersen] and I feel like it’s time to move on.”
While the segment by Kessenich was intended to be lighthearted, it obviously was not found to be funny by everyone. Washington’s next game on ESPN will be next week against UCLA.
H/T Football Scoop
