ESPN Panelist Suspended for Attacking ‘Bible-Pounding Phony’ Former Head Coach
ESPN suspended one of their commentators over his remarks about former Golden State Coach Mark Jackson. But less than a month later, Bob Ryan is back on the job.
“Bob’s comments were inappropriate and personal. We have addressed it with him. He recognizes he was wrong,” according to a statement ESPN released earlier this month.
Ryan said the following on a Jan. 6 radio show:
I am on record, thank God, publicly saying two years ago, I looked at the NBA, I looked at the rosters and what was going on, and said, “The most talented team one through eight, at least, in the NBA is the Golden State Warriors. They’re doing okay, but I know that they can do better. I know if they had a real coach, not some phony, Bible-pounding phony that Mark Jackson is, when he isn’t even a legitimate Bible pounder, I know that they’ll be better off.”
Two days later, ESPN announced his suspension. Despite Ryan’s comments, Jackson is not shying away from his faith.
Jackson is now a panelist for ESPN, as well as a pastor of True Love Worship Center International with his wife.
The coach and preacher isn’t all talk, though. He’s been known to hit the streets with his Bible, sharing the gospel.
