Would You Wear a Jason Collins Jersey? [POLL]

When former NBA center Jason Collins came out as gay, many applauded the decision, one reporter ESPN’s Chris Broussard had a different viewpoint.

As the network switched formats for its weekday segment of “Outside the Lines,” Broussard transformed from reporter to panelist, where his personal beliefs (which as Deadspin points out, he’s expressed before) were brought into the discussion:

“Personally I don’t believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle or an openly premarital sex between heterosexuals,” Broussard said. ”If you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that’s a sin. If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be. I think that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ. I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don’t think the Bible would characterize them as a Christian.” Then came the back pedal….

"Today on OTL, as part of a larger, wide-ranging discussion on today's news, I offered my personal opinion as it relates to Christianity, a point of view that I have expressed publicly before. I realize that some people disagree with my opinion and I accept and respect that. As has been the case in the past, my beliefs have not and will not impact my ability to report on the NBA. I believe Jason Collins displayed bravery with his announcement today and I have no objection to him or anyone else playing in the NBA."

ESPN also released a statement late Monday:

“We regret that a respectful discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today’s news. ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins’ announcement.” I’m guessing ESPN knew Broussard’s viewpoints when they put him on the panel

You can have freedom of speech in this country but if you want to keep your job on ESPN, you better qualify. How do you feel about Jason Collins coming out? Would you wear a Jason Collins jersey? Please take our poll below.