ESPN president clarifies decision to remove broadcaster from Virginia game

ESPN president John Skipper wants to clear the air surrounding the company's decision to pull a broadcaster's assignment from Virginia's season-opening game.

A report surfaced Tuesday from Clay Travis of Outkick the Coverage that ESPN had taken broadcaster Robert Lee off Virginia's game against William & Mary because of the similarity of his name to that of famous Confederate General Robert E. Lee. ESPN later issued a statement asserting all parties involved in the decision believed it was the correct outcome given the recent events that occurred in Charlottesville.

Skipper released his own statement to employees Wednesday, hoping to offer some clarity on the issue.

Given the amount of media attention being generated by one of the countless, routine decisions our local production teams make every day, I wanted to make sure you have the facts. There was never any concern - by anyone, at any level - that Robert Lee's name would offend anyone watching the Charlottesville game.

Among our Charlotte production staff there was a question as to whether - in these divisive times - Robert's assignment might create a distraction, or even worse, expose him to social hectoring and trolling. Since Robert was their primary concern, they consulted with him directly. He expressed some personal trepidation about the assignment and, when offered the chance to do the Youngstown State/Pitt game instead, opted for that game - in part because he lives in Albany and would be able to get home to his family on Saturday evening.

I'm disappointed that the good intentions of our Charlotte colleagues have been intentionally hijacked by someone with a personal agenda, and sincerely appreciate Robert's personal input and professionalism throughout this episode.

Attempts made by Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch to speak with Lee were unsuccessful, with ESPN informing him the broadcaster wasn't available for comment.